PRINCE GEORGE, BC: A homeowner has been fined and could face charges following a party that got out of control on Saturday night…

Police say just before 11:30 PM on Saturday October 31, 2020, officers received a report of several people fighting in front of a residence on Regents Crescent.

Multiple officers attended and found an out of control house party at the residence with an estimated 50 youth involved. Many fled as police arrived. Those that remained were mostly uncooperative and several were still fighting. One youth was found in possession of bear spray and another assaulted a police officer.

A search of the residence for public safety found two youths unconscious in the basement and one of them was bleeding from the mouth. Paramedics were called to the scene to treat the two very intoxicated youth. Both were transported to hospital for treatment of possible alcohol poisoning.

The homeowner was located inside the residence and was both intoxicated and uncooperative. The 51 year-old male was issued a $2300 fine for violating the BC Public Health Officer’s order for gatherings. A few youth were transported home and released into the care of their guardians.

Further charges are possible.

“Our priority continues to be community safety during this provincial state of emergency” says Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP.  “For many reasons, events such as this put the safety of those attending at risk.  We ask that you don’t attend these events, and we ask parents & guardians to prevent your children from attending these events.”

The Prince George RCMP believes that the public can gather or visit safely without the need to ignore BC COVID-19 public health orders. Officers highly encourage everyone to do so for their safety and the safety of others.

While the fines are one additional tool for police officers to help ensure people are following provincial health guidelines, Prince George RCMP officers will also continue to educate people about the guidelines and the impacts during this pandemic.

Throughout BC, local bylaw officers have been given the task to help ensure compliance with the Provincial Health Officer’s orders and to remind people in public spaces to physically distance. If you are concerned about compliance with the Provincial Health Officer’s orders, you can contact the City of Prince George’s bylaw office at 250-561-7600 or by calling 3-1-1.