A chaotic Fourth of July weekend on the West Coast led to more than 400 arrests after a large teen takeover drew crowds to Newport Beach, California, authorities said.
According to police, crowds poured into the Balboa Peninsula area on July 4. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show people setting off fireworks in the middle of streets, blocking traffic and damaging nearby businesses.
Between Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5, officers made 402 arrests. The local fire department also responded to 102 calls, including 10 fires, though officials have not said whether those incidents were connected to the unlawful gathering.
Newport Beach Police Department officers carried out holiday enforcement operations over the Fourth of July weekend, leading to 402 arrests. (Newport Beach Police Department)
In a statement posted on social media, the City of Newport Beach said the situation escalated quickly:
“Social media posts drew a large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a matter of minutes. As the crowd quickly grew into the thousands, dangerous and unlawful behavior escalated, blocking roadways, preventing emergency access and putting families, visitors and first responders at risk.”
The Newport Beach Police Department reported 402 arrests during the Fourth of July holiday enforcement period. (Newport Beach Police Department)
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Newport Beach Police Department made 402 arrests over the July Fourth holiday related to an alleged social-media-fueled takeover event. (Newport Beach Police Department)
More videos shared online appear to show possible damage at a Pavilions grocery store in the area. Smashed produce and trash were seen strewn around the parking lot over the weekend.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and associates is our top priority,” Albertsons, the company that owns the Pavilions grocery store, told INC News. “During the incident in the parking lot at our Newport Beach Pavilions, we secured the interior of the store, and all associates remained safe. While some exterior product displays were damaged, the store itself did not sustain any physical damage. The store reopened yesterday morning and is operating as normal.”
The president of the Newport Beach Police Association, Joe DeJulio, posted a statement to social media that said, “a large group of agitators invaded Newport Beach spurred by an alleged ‘TikTok Takeover.’ These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury, and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances, and mayhem.”
A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed to INC News any content posted on the platform that promotes theft, property damage, criminal activity, or dangerous behaviors that could cause serious harm, violates the app’s Community Guidelines.
