Police say two large house parties drew hundreds of people, leading to fights, underage drinking, road closures, and the temporary shutdown of a nearby Wawa.
Monroe Township, NJ – Two Monroe Township homeowners have been charged after police said separate large-scale house parties drew hundreds of attendees, strained law enforcement resources, and sparked multiple public safety incidents.
According to the Monroe Township Police Department, officers began receiving numerous calls at approximately 7:10 p.m. on June 20 regarding disorderly gatherings on the 900 block of Twelve Oaks Drive and the 1100 block of Tamarind Place.
Hundreds attended neighborhood parties
Police said the gathering on Twelve Oaks Drive created numerous problems, including illegally parked vehicles blocking roadways, people drinking alcohol in the street, excessive noise, heavy pedestrian traffic, disorderly conduct, and a reported assault.
Officers also responded to a report of an underage person suffering from alcohol intoxication who required medical attention. As police dispersed the crowd of several hundred people, some attendees allegedly ran across the tops of neighborhood vehicles, causing additional property damage and public safety concerns.
While officers were clearing the area, Gloucester County Communications received a report that a nearby Wawa had become overcrowded with people believed to be leaving the party. Police said disruptive behavior and shoplifting forced the store to temporarily close.
Homeowners charged with maintaining a nuisance
At the same time, officers responded to another large gathering on Tamarind Place after neighbors reported excessive noise and disruptive behavior. Police encountered a substantial crowd and said several verbal disputes escalated into a physical fight.
Investigators also learned attendees were allegedly charged an admission fee and that the event had been promoted online. Officers shut down the gathering as attendees reportedly became belligerent toward responding officers.
Following the investigation, police charged the homeowners at both properties on June 29 with Maintaining a Nuisance under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-12a.
“The Monroe Township Police Department recognizes that residents have the right to host family gatherings, celebrations, and other social events at their homes,” the department said in a statement. “However, large-scale events that create significant public safety hazards, disrupt neighborhoods, damage property, require substantial police resources, or negatively impact local businesses will not be tolerated.”
Police emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Monroe Township police charged two homeowners after separate parties drew hundreds of attendees and overwhelmed police resources.
- Officers responded to reports of fights, underage drinking, a possible assault, property damage, and disruptive behavior that temporarily closed a nearby Wawa.
- Both homeowners were charged with maintaining a nuisance under New Jersey law.
Related: Monroe Township, Monroe Township Police Department, Gloucester County, Wawa, Maintaining a Nuisance