Renter charged after police break up 47-person 'corona party' at New Jersey apartment

03/30/2020 11:59 am PDT

By Kyle Hicks, WPIX

MERCER COUNTY, N.J. (WPIX) -- Authorities broke up a 47-person “corona party” at a small New Jersey apartment and the person who lived there is now being charged for violating the state's stay-at-home order.

The Ewing Township Police Department says it was called to the apartment at about 11:44 p.m. Friday after receiving an anonymous call about a party.

The renter, 47-year-old Wade E. Jackson, was advised that he was in violation of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order that has banned “gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations or other social events” to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

TRUE CRIME DAILY: Coronavirus-related crime coverage - TCD

Police say Jackson was issued summonses for obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, and violation of emergency and temporary acts.

“Last night, Ewing Township Police broke up a party with 47 people -- including a DJ -- crammed into a 550-square foot apartment. The organizer was charged, as they should have been and deserved to be,” wrote Gov. Murphy on Twitter. “This is not a game. Stay home. Be smart.”

MORE: Police break up 47-person 'corona party' at New Jersey apartment, charge renter - WPIX