Potential Pop-Up Parties Thwarted, Jersey Shore Police Say

WILDWOOD, NJ — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Wildwood police have already stopped potential pop-up parties from occurring, according to a news release.

Pop-up parties have been plaguing the Jersey Shore for the past few years in towns like Wildwood. They invite large crowds to the beach, causing chaos and in one case, fatalities.

Two of the party promoters have been served a cease-and-desist, and have been charged with disturbance at a public gathering, Wildwood police said.

"We have been planning to mitigate the potential public safety concerns associated with these types of unsanctioned takeovers," Police Chief Joseph Murphy said. "The very nature of these investigations are very difficult due to the many social media platforms being utilized to promote these unsanctioned takeovers. Through operational planning and multiple shared service agreements, we will have resources from the Cape May County Sheriffs’ Department and the New Jersey State Police working alongside our officers throughout the holiday weekend."

Police urged other party promoters to reconsider their plans as "they will be met with swift enforcement of not only New Jersey state laws, but also our local ordinances codified for these types of issues."

They also said they were continuing investigation to identify more party promoters.

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"Let me be clear—any individual who organizes, promotes, or participates in these unsanctioned gatherings that threaten public safety will face swift and decisive legal action," Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey T. Sutherland said. "The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office will work hand-in-hand with the Wildwood Police Department and our regional partners to identify those responsible and hold them fully accountable under New Jersey law."