Months of planning, enhanced enforcement and extensive regional law enforcement coordination enabled the City of Newport Beach to swiftly respond to and restore order after a large group of unruly juveniles and young adults created dangerous conditions on the Balboa Peninsula during Fourth of July celebrations.

Throughout the day, Fourth of July celebrations drew tens of thousands of residents and visitors to Newport Beach. Late in the evening, however, social media posts drew a large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a short period of time. As the crowd rapidly grew, individuals engaged in increasingly dangerous and unlawful behavior, blocking roadways, restricting emergency vehicle access and throwing explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at police officers, into densely packed crowds and near families with children.

The sudden influx of thousands of people into a confined area within a short period of time created an immediate threat to public safety and required a coordinated regional law enforcement response. Following an unlawful assembly declaration, more than 350 officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and 17 regional law enforcement agencies worked together to clear the area, disperse the crowd, restore emergency access and protect residents and visitors.

One Newport Beach police officer was struck by a mortar and evaluated by Newport Beach Fire Department personnel at the scene before being released. Vehicle traffic remained closed for several hours while officers safely cleared thousands of pedestrians from the roadway.

From midnight on July 3 through 6 a.m. on July 5, officers made 402 arrests, compared with 60 during the same period last year. Approximately 200 individuals who remained near 28th Street after repeatedly refusing lawful dispersal orders were among those arrested. Those responsible for inciting the crowd, engaging in violent and criminal behavior and threatening public safety were taken into custody and will be held accountable.

The City's response was the result of months of planning and preparation. Ahead of the holiday, Newport Beach increased police and fire staffing, expanded Safety Enhancement Zones, partnered with regional law enforcement agencies, established a mobile booking station and conducted proactive enforcement throughout the Peninsula. These measures enabled officers to rapidly mobilize regional resources, restore public safety and protect the tens of thousands of residents and visitors who celebrated responsibly throughout the holiday.

Newport Beach Fire Department personnel responded to 102 emergency incidents on July 4, including 10 fires, and transported 44 patients to local hospitals, including six trauma patients.

"Our officers remained focused on one priority throughout the evening, protecting our community and restoring public safety," said Newport Beach Police Chief Dave Miner. "The extensive planning that went into this holiday, combined with the professionalism of our officers and our mutual aid partners, allowed us to respond quickly to a dangerous situation, restore order and protect the thousands of residents and visitors who came to Newport Beach to celebrate responsibly."

Beginning early this morning, Municipal Operations crews removed debris, cleaned streets, sidewalks and public spaces and restored the Balboa Peninsula following the holiday celebrations. Additional Newport Beach Police officers will remain deployed throughout the weekend to maintain a visible presence, protect the community and respond quickly to any incidents.

The City will continue to evaluate this year's response and work with law enforcement partners, the community and local businesses to identify additional measures to deter unlawful behavior while preserving a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors during future holiday celebrations.