Hillsborough Police recently charged a resident for violating North Carolina’s stay at home order issued in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The Town of Hillsborough shared a release on Monday saying the department is attempting to serve 32 year-old Tocee Mitchell of 585 Riddle Avenue for his involvement in a block party Sunday night, April 5, in northern Hillsborough. According to the message, officers responded twice on Sunday to the 500 block of Riddle Road, where 30 to 50 people had gathered for a party. Officers initially responded at 6:37 p.m., observed about 30 vehicles in the area and gave a warning.

The release said officers were dispatched again an hour later and observed the same amount of people and vehicles. Using the public address system on a police vehicle, the Hillsborough officers announced all those in attendance were in violation of the governor’s executive order and requested them to disperse. After 15 to 20 minutes, everyone dispersed, but officers stayed in the area for the remainder of the night.

Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order, which he issued on March 27, bans gatherings of more than ten people. According to the North Carolina general statutes, the violation of a governor’s executive order involving a state of emergency is worth a class 2 misdemeanor charge.

Along with the release, the police department and town reminded residents both Orange County and the governor’s stay at home orders do not allow the gathering of ten or more people and require six feet of physical space between individuals when in any necessary gathering. The orders also direct people to stay at home unless when visiting an essential business, exercising outside or helping a family member.

Hillsborough Police said violations of the county and state orders can be reported on the town’s website anytime or by calling 919-296-9500 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can also call 911 for emergencies or if neither option is available. Police have said the department will follow up on any violation reports.

Orange County’s stay at home order is slated to last until April 30. The county has the power to extend it depending on the ongoing pandemic.

Photo via the Hillsborough Police.

 

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