L.A. 'Super-Spreader Task Force' raids New Year's Eve parties, arrests and fines nearly 100 revelers

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) deployed its "Super-Spreader Task Force" on New Year's Eve to raid parties, eventually detaining more than 900 revelers and arresting or issuing citations to 90 partiers.

The LASD said the task force was comprised of "hundreds of detectives, patrol deputies, and Specialized Response Teams."

"The @LASDHQ COVID-19 Super-Spreader Task Force conducted operations at five separate locations across the County of Los Angeles on New Year's Eve. Hundreds of detectives, patrol deputies, and Specialized Response Teams shut down super-spreader events in the cities of Hawthorne (1), Los Angeles (2), Malibu (1), and Pomona (1)," the department wrote on Facebook. "The locations ranged from rented residences, vacant warehouses, hotels, and shuttered businesses."

"During the evening, deputies made several arrests, conducted several advisements on proper COVID-19 safety protocols, and recovered several firearms. Overall, 90 adults were arrested and cited out for violation of the County's Safer at Home order (120275 H&S); one adult was arrested for possession of narcotics and loaded firearm (11370.1 H&S). Over 900 people were warned and advised of the updated Safer at Home Order, and five handguns were recovered from the super-spreader event in Hawthorne."

"I have made it clear that we will seek out and take law enforcement action against all 'Super-Spreader' events occurring anywhere within Los Angeles County," Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a statement. "The goal of these enforcement actions is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the risk to our vulnerable populations." 

Los Angeles news station FOX11-TV was on the scene at several of the parties and posted clips on social media.

"LASD showed up outside the home in the middle of the party, warning the crowd on a loudspeaker that 'This is the LA County Sheriff’s Department. This superspreader party is now over. Anybody who refuses to leave will be subject to arrest," the station reported.

LASD Captain Holly Francisco said in a statement, "We are actively enforcing the superspreaders to protect against COVID. Once we confirmed there was a party here, we had our super spreader task force respond and detain the occupants."

Said Lt. John Satterfield: "We're going ahead and writing citations to the people that knowingly placed others in jeopardy by having a large gathering. There was no social distancing, there were no masks, it was unsafe and irresponsible."

One partygoer told FOX 11, "We’re tired of closing this s*** down. My people have lost businesses and all that s***, and we really just wanted some fresh air, man. That’s what’s going on. We wanted some fresh air, they come out with the tanks and all, man. S*** is crazy."

Facebook users left plenty of comments on the sheriff department's post. "While they let dangerous felons out of prison by the thousands," said one. "How much money is wasted now trying to find parties and shut them down. Lol party task force. Stupid," wrote another.