Beverly Ave party shut down by police

Tear gas was used to break up a large party that shut down Beverly Avenue on Thursday night.

Nine people were charged with offenses such as disorderly conduct, failure to maintain a litter-free premise and public intoxication in connection with the incident, according to the Morgantown Police Department.

Officers were called to Beverly Avenue about 5:46 p.m. for a large party that closed the street between Fourth and Sixth streets, Chief Ed Preston said.

A “very large crowd” was blocking the street, gathered on rooftops, drinking alcohol and creating a “very large disturbance in the neighborhood,” according to Preston. While officers were talking to people, beer bottles, beer cans and other objects were thrown at them.

Officers backed away from the area and told other law enforcement agencies what was happening, Preston said.

Attempts to disperse the crowd with a loudspeaker caused confrontation with the “highly agitated and intoxicated” crowd, which was continuing to grow in size and volatility and throwing stuff at police officers, Preston said.

WVU Police and other agencies helped block the area off, while EMS and fire personnel were staged nearby, in case of injuries or fires.

The crowd was warned they were engaged in an unlawful assembly and told to leave the area, Preston said. After the warnings were given, smoke grenades were used to try to disperse the crowd, but were ineffective and individuals kept throwing things at officers.

About 6:52 p.m., three rounds of tear gas were used, Preston said.
The tear gas caused the crowd to disperse “quickly” and officers stayed in the area to make sure there were no injuries or criminal activity. About 8:45 p.m., the situation was normal, Preston said.

Over the next several days, police will review body camera footage, surveillance video and after action reports, Preston said. The incident will also be reviewed for compliance with policy, training and compliance with local, state and federal regulations, as with all use of force incidents.

WVU did not respond to a request asking which people charged are students or for comment on the incident in time for this report.

Those facing charges as a result of the incident are:

Connor Burow, 21, of Fairfax, Va., was charged with a nuisance party and failure to maintain a litter free premise.

Colin McHugh, 19, of Pilesgrove, N.J., was charged with disorderly conduct and underage consumption.

Joseph Boggs, 27, of Morgantown, was charged with public intoxication.

Syndenee Wunts, 21, of Morgantown, was charged with a nuisance party.

Sarah Hogan, 21, of Woodbridge, Va., was charged with a nuisance party.

Jakob Goshen, 20, of Bloomsbury, N.J., was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and underage possession and consumption.

Cameron Pierce, 20, of Weirton, was charged with public intoxication, underage consumption and disorderly conduct.

Cole Cailor, 19, Beaver Falls, Pa., was charged with public intoxication, underage consumption and disorderly conduct and destruction of property.

Burow was charged following a second encounter with officer for public intoxication.

Joshua Love, 21, of Fairfax, Va., was charged with a nuisance party and failure to maintain a litter free premise.

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