Crowd of 2,500 riots downtown

A crowd estimated at over 2,500 people gathered in downtown Huntington Beach for a party that turned into a riot requiring the combined resources of law enforcement agencies from all over Orange County.

According to Jennifer Carey, public information officer for the HBPD, a “viral social media post” summoned people to gather at the beach for a large party. The crowd grew and moved to the downtown area at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway at the municipal pier.

From there, “large groups” moved through the area hurling rocks, bottles, fireworks and other items at officers. Responding to a call for assistance, over 150 officers from other jurisdictions came to help control the situation and disperse the crowd.

The HBPD declared an unlawful assembly at 7:13 p.m. and imposed an emergency curfew from 11:30 p.m. Saturday through Sunday at 5:30 a.m. Affected was the area bordered by Beach Boulevard, Goldenwest Street, Pacific Coast Highway and Yorktown Avenue.

A total of 121 adults and 28 juveniles were arrested and booked on various charges including vandalism, the firing of dangerous or illegal fireworks, failure to disperse and curfew violations.

Damage was inflicted on “multiple” downtown businesses, numerous police vehicles and a lifeguard tower, according to Carey. No “significant” injuries have been reported.