Gov. Phil Murphy was not happy with the behavior displayed at a couple of large house parties, like the two in Alpine or the one Sunday in Howell.

 

"Come on man!” says the governor. “And I'm told it's not that large of a foot print. This can't go on."

Gov. Murphy has criticized these types of house parties and blamed them for an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

The news comes after police arrested a man from Newark for throwing two large parties in Alpine, defying the governor’s executive orders.

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Police say the first party was held on July 5 and the second was held Aug. 1.

Tashay Knight is charged with recklessly creating a risk of widespread injury or damage.

Police issued him multiple summonses for violating the governor's executive orders on mask wearing and social distancing at entertainment events.

He is accused of hosting a huge party at a home on Hemlock Drive.

Police say as many as 400 people bought tickets online, and many took shuttle buses to the event. Police were initially called on noise complaints, and when they got there, they found most attendees were not wearing masks and there was no social distancing.

It took police from Alpine and surrounding communities nearly four hours to clear the property.

Police say the owner of the house has cooperated during the investigation, and so far has not been charged. Knight turned himself in and is expected back in court later this month.

In Howell, police say a backyard pool party at a house with hundreds of guests, with buses dropping off guests, led to a large police response and a quick and peaceful shutdown.

Howell police requested mutual aid Sunday night from Wall, Brick, Jackson, Freehold, Monmouth and Ocean County Sheriffs, as well as state police, in response to hundreds attending a "pop-up" pool party.

Roadways leading to Wilson Drive were blocked by police to prevent more vehicles filled with party goers attempting to attend.

According to the flyer produced for the pool party called, The Real Big Drip 5, women were charged $30.00 to get in, and men $40.00. News 12 is told most people were compliant with police, while others were hesitant and upset toward the host who charged admission.

News 12 is also told the host was arrested for an unrelated charge, and was released.