Ramapo Arrests 8 For Violating Social-Distancing Order

RAMAPO, NY — Police issued tickets to eight men accused of violating state and local orders against gatherings during the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus. Ramapo police said they were advised of a gathering by a neighbor of 92 North Saddle River Road in Monsey.

A Ramapo officer was already in front of the location and additional Ramapo officers responded to assist. The initial officer confirmed that state and local orders with respect to gatherings were being violated, including the most recent order issued by the Rockland County Health Commissioner prohibiting gatherings of more than 10.

Ramapo officers said they arrested eight men. The men were released on appearance tickets without bail as per state statutes and are returnable to the Town of Ramapo Justice Court.

Congregation Shaarei Chesed is listed at that location, according to The Journal News.

RPD notified the Rockland County Department of Health and the Town of Ramapo Building Department of the incident.

Executive orders collectively known as PAUSE directed all non-essential businesses in New York to close their in-person operations and banned all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. In addition, Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert issued a Commissioner's Order prohibiting gatherings under the state and county Sanitary Code.

The Monsey zip code has the highest percentage of confirmed cases of COVID-19 for its population, according to the Rockland County Health Department.

Questions about enforcing the orders created controversy in the county, as Rockland County Executive Ed Day argued with Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht and Ramapo Police Chief Brad Weidel.

SEE ALSO:

Rockland Coronavirus Update: Enforcing Social Distancing