Police Report Illegal Activity At Washington Valley Park

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Authorities have increased patrols at Washington Valley Park due to numerous incidents of illegal activities during the month of June including the tragic drowning death of a swimmer on June 22.

Somerset County Park Commission officials reported continued illegal activities such as violations of prohibited swimming, littering, illegal campfires, consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal parking throughout the park, which includes the Chimney Rock Reservoir and Buttermilk Falls.

Park officials haves had to remove several dumpsters of garbage due to excessive littering in the park, Bridgewater Police Acting Captain Sean O'Neill said.

The illegal activities are being reported throughout the park, which includes the Chimney Rock Reservoir and Buttermilk Falls.

Bridgewater Police along with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and the Somerset County Park Rangers have since increased enforcement of parking that is prohibited on Gilbride Road, Newmans Lane, and Miller Lane.

Added walking patrols of the park with uniform and undercover officers have also led to the arrests of two adults for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and issued more than 40 summonses for illegal swimming, consumption of alcohol in a county park and disorderly conduct.

Uniformed and undercover patrols will continue during the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend.

Acting Police Chief Paul Payne "invites everyone to enjoy all the parks that Bridgewater Township has to offer, however we must remember to not to disturb their beauty with illegal activity. Vehicles should only be parked in areas designated for parking. Furthermore the waters in the all of the parks located in the Township are not monitored by lifeguards and swimming is prohibited."

• Read More: Drowning Victim Found, Identified At Bridgewater Reservoir

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