A large, rowdy July 4th celebration on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach erupted in chaos Saturday evening as fights broke out, fireworks were thrown at police and dozens of people – perhaps as many as 100 – were reportedly arrested.
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“A Pavilions was ransacked and completely trashed outside … teens that were arrested for curfew violations had to be picked up by their parents. Newport Beach called for county-wide help for situation …” wrote OC Hawk, a freelance news videographer at the scene.
“Police were first called to the area around 7 p.m. after a large crowd began lighting fireworks and fighting, according to authorities. Officials also reported a significant mess at a nearby Pavilions grocery store,” ABC7 reported. “The situation escalated after officers arrived at the scene. Authorities said people continued fighting and threw fireworks at police officers.”
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Police are expected to release more details on Sunday.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available.