Joppa shooting draws attention to illicit parties

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Joppa (Map, News) - Authorities in Harford County are warning fire departments and civic clubs of event promoters booking space for parties under false pretenses, in the wake of Sunday’s fatal shooting at a dance party in the Joppa-Magnolia Fire Hall.

Officials said the banquet hall was supposedly rented out for a birthday party Sunday night, but promotions on MySpace.com promised live music, a bar and a cover charge at the event —all run by “Fast Lane Entertainment.”

The party, which ended with the shooting of 22-year-old Tariq Alston of Edgewood, who died later at a hospital —has brought new attention to promoters who deceive hall rental managers, then leave them with the legal responsibility if and when laws get broken, said Liquor Control Board Chief Inspector C.F. “Mac” McWilliams.

“These promoters will prey on businesses that are struggling; they’ll say ‘You can make X amount of money just by letting us come in, we’ll charge a few bucks at the door and provide our own security,’ ” McWilliams said. “But for the halls, if they’re on the license, they’re responsible.”

Most organizations were given flyers with warning signs of such a bait-and-switch after several incidents last summer at the American Legion Hall in Edgewood, McWilliams said. But when places are run by volunteers, like at the fire halls, turnover can keep that knowledge from being passed on.

Liquor Board Administrator Kathryn Thess said the board may hold a meeting with the fire halls and civic organizations to discuss the issue and review the warning signs of a deception.

Police are still uncertain of why Alston was shot at least once in the head while inside the fire hall, said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Monica Worrell. By Wednesday, investigators were still “working around the clock” interviewing the 30 to 50 people who were at the party when the shooting occurred, she said.

The Sheriff’s Office has not connected Alston’s death to a police-involved shooting that happened at a similar party July 5 in Baltimore, but anyone with information is urged to call investigators at 410-836-5080.

“Investigators have to eliminate what it isn’t,” Worrell said, “because there are so many stories out there.”

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com

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