A deadly July 4th across Southern California saw several people shot dead in Compton, a woman killed in an explosion in Chino and an unruly crowd causing chaos in Newport Beach with hundreds arrested.
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As celebrations of America’s 250th birthday were underway, over 400 people were arrested in Newport Beach as disorder took over on the sand and nearby. The hours-long pandemonium involved some teenaged children and young adults throwing mortars, fireworks and more at those who crowded about and at police officers, a grocery store getting merchandise stolen and an unlawful assembly declared.
The Newport Beach Police Association referenced a “TikTok takeover” as a contributor to people converging on the beaches and boardwalks.
The next day, residents helped clean up the spattered food across the store’s parking lot.
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A fireworks explosion in Chino killed a woman in her twenties and left several others seriously injured, Chino police said, adding few details but saying a vehicle was engulfed in flames and that a “large quantity” of fireworks were found. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
In Compton, a man and woman were shot and killed during a July 4th party at an apartment complex, authorities said, with three others injured.
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