COVID-themed parties that attracted hundreds being investigated by Fort Worth police
Two coronavirus-themed birthday parties that attracted hundreds of attendees last weekend are now being investigated by the Fort Worth Police Department.
Corey Mobley, the director of operations and founder of Whiskey Garden’s Turtle Races, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he decided to have a party for his 37th birthday at the last minute and invited hundreds of his friends to the secret location.
On May 15, 300 to 400 people filled the warehouse, he said. On May 16, hundreds more showed up. Mobley broke open a coronavirus-themed pinata filled with mini bottles of Rumple Minze, and photos show the crowd of people packed together to take a picture.
Mobley said the parties happened in downtown Fort Worth, but he declined to provide an address. He said the police showed up to the location multiple times.
When initially asked by the Star-Telegram about their response, Fort Worth police said had no record that they responded to any calls about the gatherings.
A couple of days later, a police spokesman said they obtained information through social media that suggested the parties happened in White Settlement. But the White Settlement police chief told the Star-Telegram on Thursday that the parties were not held there.
On Friday, Fort Worth police said on Twitter that they uncovered the secret location.
Police say the parties happened in the 600 block of North Sylvania Avenue in Fort Worth — just northeast of downtown.
“After inspecting this location and comparing those findings with the information received from the public, we believe this venue is where the gathering was held,” the department said. “FWPD officers responded to loud music complaints on both evenings, but they were unable to access the venue because it is located within a high fenced area.”
Police said the parties are now under investigation for possible criminal conduct.
This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 4:51 PM.
