Officials in a New Jersey shore town are considering imposing an emergency curfew after a gathering of several hundred teenagers and young adults devolved into chaos at the beachfront.
Six people were arrested after the “pop up” event devolved into fights, with some youngsters filmed jumping on top of cars and running along the boardwalk and neighboring streets, in the city of Long Branch.
“Pop-up gatherings of this nature have repeatedly disrupted Jersey Shore communities, and Long Branch is prepared to act decisively whenever public safety is threatened,” said Charles Shirley, the city’s Director of Public Safety.
The incident, which occurred Tuesday evening, prompted at least one area resort to go into lockdown and trains to be delayed by up to 45 minutes.
Nearly 140 officers from both the Long Branch Police Department and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office were deployed to respond to the incident and disperse the crowd.
Mayor John Pallone authorized an emergency 8.00 p.m. curfew for the Pier Village area, with residents alerted of the situation via text message at 8.22 p.m.
Officers made six arrests in connection with the disturbance, the police department said.
Two women, aged 19 and 20, and three younger girls, all from Newark were charged with disorderly conduct, A young boy from New Brunswick was charged in connection with attempting to elude police.
Police are also working active cases involving two aggravated assaults, one of which occurred at the Long Branch Train Station, and the theft of a motor vehicle. No significant property damage has been reported at this time, the force added.
“The City of Long Branch takes these events seriously and will not tolerate conduct that endangers residents, visitors, business owners, or our public safety personnel,” Shirley added.
Officials have not stated if or when another emergency curfew might be put in place ahead of Memorial Weekend. However, officers will maintain a strong and visible presence in the area, the sheriff’s office said.
“Anyone who travels to Long Branch intending to engage in violence or disorder should expect to be arrested and prosecuted,” the sheriff’s office said.
In March, authorities in Virginia imposed a similar “emergency curfew” for youngsters at a popular spring break spot over fears of violence in the area.
The “imminent threat curfew for unaccompanied minors” at the Oceanfront on Virginia Beach came in response to a shooting at the popular spring break spot, where six people were injured.
The incident occurred when an 18-year-old opened fire on a group of individuals who attempted to steal his firearm, The Virginian Pilot reported at the time.
