Crime & Safety

Huntington Beach Riot Has Officials Pondering Future

A task force will look for ways to avoid violence at other events.

By Jessica Burger

One day after a rowdy mob wreaked havoc in downtown Huntington Beach, officials said a task force would look for ways to curb future violence.

Eight people were arrested in Sunday's two-hour melee, which broke out after the end of the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Police Chief Ken Small said the crowd became unruly after someone was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer with a skateboard. The mob overturned portable restrooms, broke store windows and tore down street signs.

Several police officers suffered minor injuries and at least one person was treated at a hospital after being hit by a rubber projectile fired by police, authorities reported.

Small said about 150 officers from nearby departments helped 100 HBPD officers get the crowds under control.

“Limited and measured use of force" -- pepper balls and non-lethal projectiles -- were used to break through a “barrage of bottles, bricks and rocks," Small said. 

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Mayor Connie Boardman said investigators began working quickly to mine through social media to identify those responsible for damages. A Downtown Task Force will be created within two weeks to determine how similar events are handled in the future to maintain safety in the city's downtown, Boardman added.

“Most of the people in and around these events don’t want anything to do with the violence and destruction of property,” Small said.

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James Leitz, chief executive of the U.S. Open of Surfing, said he empathized with Huntington Beach residents who were negatively affected by the riot.

“It’s disappointing to us,” Leitz said. “Poor judgments by a few are able to out shadow a great week here in this community and question the value of this event.”

Going forward, event organizers will work with city leaders to ensure security is a top priority, he said. 

Anyone with photos, video or information about the riot in Huntington Beach was asked contact the Huntington Beach Police Department.

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