Sussex County Woman Charged After Getting Trapped In Park: Cops

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ - A 72-year-old Vernon woman was charged with violating Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order 107 for being in a closed park during the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, according to the Hackettstown Police Department.

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Authorities said that on Friday afternoon the Hackettstown Police responded to Riverfront Park, 499 Seber Road, after receiving a call for help from Jeannine Svard. When they arrived, police found that Svard had driven around a barricade with signage stating “Road Closed/Park Closed” and entered the park where there is additional signage indicating the park is closed to the public, police said.

Svard was unable to exit the park due to the electronic gate that came down and closing the roadway, police said. It was then when Svard called police to provide assistance getting her out of the park.

Svard was charged with violating executive order 107 for being in a closed park, a disorderly persons offense, police said.

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