Alpine Police Chief Christopher Belcolle announced the arrest of Tashay Knight, 45, of Newark, on a charge of Recklessly Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury or Damage.
Knight was also issued multiple summonses, including for a violation of the Governor's Executive Order controlling entertainment events, which mandates hosts to require that guests wear face coverings and practice appropriate social distancing
On August 1, the Alpine Police Department responded to 7 Hemlock Drive regarding an ongoing noise complaint from local residents.
Upon arrival, officers observed a large group of people lined up in the driveway with the driveway gates closed.
An investigation determined that an event was being held on the premises attended by approximately 300 to 400 people who had purchased tickets for the event online.
Most attendees were not wearing personal protective gear nor were they social distancing.
Due to the large number of individuals on the property, it took officers approximately three to four hours to clear all the attendees from the property with the assistance of the Demarest, Closter, Cresskill and Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Departments.
On August 3, Alpine Police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office given the nature of the event and potential violations of the Governor's Executive Order.
Alpine Police had responded to the residence in the past for noise complaints, including on July 5 when another event was held.
The homeowner, Joseph LaBarbiera, cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation and indicated that he leased the property to Wonder Boy Music Group.
As a result of an investigation, Alpine Police determined that Knight was the host of the parties. He turned himself into Alpine Police on August 7.
He was charged with one count of Recklessly Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury or Damage, a fourth-degree crime.
He was also issued summonses for violating the Governor’s Executive Order, Maintaining a Nuisance, and an Alcohol and Beverage Control violation for Selling.