LONG BEACH, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Long Beach and Nassau County police officers broke up a large crowd on the beach and boardwalk that congregated together on Saturday night without masks or social distancing measures.
An invite spread across social media from a group of young adults, calling for people to gather on Long Beach and the boardwalk.
Long Beach Police Commissioner Phil Ragona says around 800 people showed up to the beach and boardwalk. Most were drinking alcohol without masks on and there was absolutely no social distancing.
“Social media let’s things spread like wildfire and, I think, is the reason we’ve seen a big uptick in these type of gatherings on the beach,” Ragona said.
There were even some groups of people fighting with one another and police officers.
“The crowd was extremely combative,” Ragona said. “They were throwing bottles at the police cars. One group actually circled one of our police cars. It was a little bit of a harrowing time but we’re we able to successfully get them out of there.”
No arrests were made he says because the main priority protecting the lives and property of others.
The police commissioner said the department will not tolerate non-compliance with social distancing and gathering guidelines.
“We will not let this small group of non-rule followers affect our residents and affect our city in a negative way,” said Ragona.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has already called on residents to stop violating state guidelines after groups of people gathered at Astoria bars and restaurants all weekend long.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced police will step up enforcement of social distancing rules across the city to prevent similar instances of crowding.
The restaurants that had large groups of people gathering outside have since been shut down.