NOPD officers have obtained an arrest warrant for Cecil Spencer (B/M, DOB: 08/29/1981) after he refused to shut down a public gathering during the current public health crisis, COVID-19.
On March 28, 2020 around 4:30 p.m., Second District Task Force Officers responded to a call for service for a large gathering taking place in the 3000 block of Audubon Street. Upon arrival, officers observed a band playing and about 100 individuals attending a funeral repast at the location.
Officers asked the event organizers to shut down the event, but they refused. Due to the flagrant violation pertaining public gatherings, officers positively identified Spencer as one of the event organizers and issued a warrant for his arrest.
The leader of the band that was playing during the gathering, Clifton Smith, was issued a summons for his participation in the event. The investigation remains ongoing. As more individuals are identified, more arrests will follow.
Anyone who wants to report large gatherings or businesses operating against these rules is asked to call 3-1-1.