Newport Has 173 Arrests on Fourth, but No Rioting

More than 170 people were arrested in Newport Beach during the Fourth of July weekend, an increase over last year’s holiday period when some rioting occurred, a police spokesman said Sunday.

Police Sgt. Les Chapman said 173 people were arrested this year on a variety of charges, including possession of fireworks, fighting, minors in possession of alcoholic beverages and drunk driving. The arrests are higher than a year ago, when Fourth of July celebrating was marred by rioting and vandalism that led to 159 being held, some on more serious charges.

Last year, Chapman said police were overwhelmed when rioters began pelting officers with rocks and bottles. “We were too busy trying to survive. That’s why there were fewer arrests,” he said.

This year, police closed streets, added reserve officers and changed work hours to put more officers in the street. A curfew was threatened but not ordered, police spokesman Kent Stoddard said. “However, it’s too early to tell whether the increased police presence has helped,” Stoddard said.

In May, the Newport Beach City Council approved several measures to control rowdy crowds during the summer, especially on the July 4 weekend. Among the measures was an ordinance giving the police chief authority to order general curfews during an emergency.

Stoddard said street closures this year resulted in fewer “targets” for people on apartment balconies who tossed water balloons and fireworks at passing pedestrians and automobiles.

Stoddard denied that police had been overzealous this year. “I don’t think we’re at all overenthused. We’re just trying to avoid a repeat of what happened last year. And so far, we’ve been successful,” he said.