MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Police Department released a statement after a video showing officers dispersing a large crowd at a St. Patrick’s Day house party showed up on social media over the weekend.
According to the press release, officers responded to a residence on North High Street at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, after receiving reports of a large party with loud music, causing noise violations.
Upon arrival at the scene, Morgantown Police Officers directed the operator of the stereo system to turn off the music to comply with noise regulations. The crowd later became aggressive at officers on the scene in response to the music turning off, leading to projectiles being allegedly thrown at them.
Officers on scene then utilized standard crowd dispersal techniques, like PepperBalls and inert smoke in an effort to regain control of the area. The crowd was eventually dispersed with EMS request offered to bystanders once scene was under control.
No arrests were made at the scene and no injuries were reported. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The University Police Department assisted the Morgantown Police Department during the crowd dispersement.