'Loud Party' Broken Up By Police In Park Forest

PARK FOREST, IL — Police in Park Forest had to break up a large gathering Friday night around midnight amid the coronavirus outbreak and "stay-at-home" order issued last month by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. According to police, they were called to the 300 block of Osage Street where neighbors said a "loud party" was taking place late at night and during a time when everyone is reminded to remain at home unless absolutely necessary.

The owner of the home that hosted the party was cited for hosting an unlawful assembly, police said. This was due to "numerous non-household members gathered" in violation of the governor's order.

Everyone at the party who did not live there was directed by police to return to their own homes, police said.

"Issuing citations is reserved for egregious violations of the order," police said. "Hosting a party, especially one that prompts area residents to call police due to the noise, falls under this category.

"We do not want to be in the position of citing someone for hosting a gathering. Please follow the stay-at-home order and save the parties for the celebration when this is behind us."