Police use helicopter to break up massive house party in Pompey, Onondaga County, New York

POMPEY, N.Y. -- Onondaga County sheriff's deputies had to call in the county's helicopter, Air1, to help break up an out-of-control house party with more than 500 people in Pompey Wednesday night.

Deputy Herb Wiggins said police were called to Ashlind Circle about a large party. When they pulled up just before 11 p.m., there were 200 cars packed along that street and the neighboring streets, Wiggins said.

Deputies saw packs of kids walking through several yards. When they got to the party house, 7598 Ashlind Circle, they saw between 500 and 700 people crammed into the backyard.

Gregory York, 23, walked up to the deputies and told them that his parents had given him permission to hold the party for his graduation. But his mom and dad, he told them, were out of town.

At that point, the deputies who responded realized it would take more help to break up such a large party. While they were waiting for help, party-goers threw a glass bottle at a patrol car, Wiggins said.

When help arrived, it included Air1, the county's helicopter. The helicopter hovered above the yard, providing a spotlight to help deputies send party-goers on their way. At least 20 other officers came to help from the sheriff's office, the Manlius police department and the New York State Police.

Many of the revelers scurried from the party by hopping the fence. Several fence boards were damaged by their hasty exit, Wiggins said.

The yard and pool were strewn with empty beer bottles, wine bottles and cans.

After the party had been broken up, deputies called York's mother, Patricia McGinnis. She told them she was more than nine hours away and that she had not given her son permission to throw any party.

Wiggins said no one was arrested.

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