Police Showed Restraint on July 4, Chief Says : Law enforcement: Ronald L. Lowenberg tells the City Council he is proud of the way his officers behaved during near-riot.

Responding to allegations that baton-wielding police used excessive force to control Fourth of July crowds, Police Chief Ronald L. Lowenberg told the City Council Monday that officers showed “great restraint” as they were pelted with rocks, bottles and lighted fireworks.

“It was a tough situation, and we probably made mistakes,” Lowenberg said. “But I think our people did an outstanding job. But there’s always room for improvement.”

He added, “I am proud to be the leader of this caliber of employees.”

The chief said holiday revelry turned into a near-riot as furniture was burned in the streets, illegal fireworks were set off and objects were thrown at the officers.

Sixty-five of the 117 arrested were Huntington Beach residents, and 78 of them were over 21, he told the council.

They were arrested on a myriad of charges, including drinking in public, public intoxication, failure to disperse and discharging fireworks.

Some residents have criticized police who, they said, stormed downtown in riot gear. The critics charged that officers took a strong-arm approach to breaking up the crowds and struck bystanders with clubs. Police drove a 2,500-gallon water truck down Main Street and hosed revelers to disperse them. Witnesses also claimed that police failed to warn the crowds to clear the streets.

But Lowenberg said Monday night that police gave numerous announcements.

“Anyone who says they didn’t hear dispersal orders, I don’t understand that,” he said.

Lowenberg also said his officers followed Police Department training and state guidelines.

“We did it by the books,” he said. “There was no acting out by police. I’m very proud of our department.”

Lowenberg said that six people so far have filed formal complaints with the Police Department. Considering the number of arrests, he said, “the six complaints in my opinion is not a significant number.”

He added: “I don’t want to minimize the complaints. To the six people who filed them, they’re obviously serious to them, and they’re serious to us.”

He said his department will investigate the complaints, and he suggested that anyone who is not comfortable complaining to the Police Department about its officers’ actions file a complaint with the Orange County Human Relations Commission.

As of Monday, no claims against the city have been filed with the city clerk’s office, he said, although those filing grievances have six months from July 4 to do so. About six people have taken out claim forms.

Among those who have complained about police use of force on July 4 is Allie Gonsowski, 17, of Huntington Beach, who said that an officer swung a club at her, striking her across the face. She suffered a fractured jaw and her teeth were loosened. One was knocked out.

Jim King, 19, of Midway City said he was hit twice with a baton, resulting in a cut to the left side of his face that required stitches.

Neither Gonsowski nor King were arrested, and neither has filed a complaint, although their attorneys have contacted Lowenberg’s office, the chief said. He encouraged them to file complaints, so the Police Department can investigate.

Mayor Linda Moulton-Patterson said she supported police efforts and that it was a “very difficult situation.” She added that the 1993 Fourth of July events ended in more violence and property destruction.

Councilman Ralph Bauer, who was downtown with police from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., said: “This is a family town. If thugs want to come to this town and act up, they’re going to have to pay the consequences.

“My hat’s off to you, chief. We’re going to enforce the law,” said Terry Britt, who has lived downtown for 11 years. He said he thinks the police acted professionally in controlling a potentially dangerous situation.

“I, like many other residents, don’t want to take it anymore,” Britt said. “

Lowenberg is expected to submit a more thorough report to the council in few weeks. He also said he plans to meet with downtown residents once that report is complete.