LONG BRANCH, NJ — Police imposed an emergency curfew and deployed more than 130 officers to restore order after an unauthorized gathering of several hundred teenagers and young adults erupted into violence at Pier Village on Tuesday evening.
The pop-up event deteriorated into fights, individuals jumping on parked vehicles and disorder along the boardwalk and surrounding streets.
Mayor John Pallone authorized an 8 p.m. curfew for the Pier Village area on the recommendation of the Long Branch Police Department and in coordination with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers cleared the district by 9:15 p.m.
“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,” stated Charles Shirley, Business Administration and Director of Public Safety.
A substantial portion of the crowd arrived by rail, prompting New Jersey Transit delays of approximately 30 to 45 minutes during the police response.
The Long Branch Police Department deployed 139 officers to the beachfront, including 69 Long Branch officers and 70 mutual aid personnel from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Rapid Deployment Force, New Jersey Transit Police, MedSTAR, and police departments from Little Silver, Wall Township, Hazlet, Atlantic Highlands, Eatontown, Monmouth Beach, Fair Haven, West Long Branch, Deal, Sea Bright, Highlands and Aberdeen.
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System was used to notify the public of the curfew at 8:22 p.m.
Officers made six arrests in connection with the disturbance.
Two women, ages 19 and 20, both of Newark, were charged with disorderly conduct.
Three juvenile females, also of Newark, were charged with disorderly conduct.
One juvenile male of New Brunswick was charged in connection with an eluding incident.
Long Branch Police are investigating an aggravated assault at 44 Centennial Drive, an aggravated assault at the Long Branch Train Station and the theft of a motor vehicle reported at 320 Third Avenue.
No significant property damage has been reported.
Police said they will maintain a strong, visible presence throughout the beachfront and downtown corridors during Memorial Day weekend.
