Cops on Horses Clash With Rowdy Beachgoers as July 4 Chaos Leads to Mass Arrests [WATCH]

More than 100 people were taken into custody after a Fourth of July celebration in Newport Beach, California, turned chaotic Saturday evening, prompting police officers on horseback to charge into large crowds as fights erupted and fireworks were allegedly thrown at law enforcement, as reported by The Independent.

According to reports, Newport Beach police responded around 7 p.m. on July 4 after receiving reports of disorderly behavior on the beach and surrounding streets in the coastal city, located about 45 miles south of Los Angeles.

Authorities said the situation escalated as large groups gathered on the beach, where fights broke out, and fireworks were set off.

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Video shared across social media showed mounted police riding into the crowd in an effort to disperse the gathering.

Officials said the unrest continued after officers arrived. According to KABC, some people in the crowd began throwing fireworks at police officers as law enforcement worked to restore order.

Several officers suffered injuries during the incident, authorities said, but all are expected to recover.

Much of the reported disturbance occurred near a Pavilions grocery store, where crowds had spilled onto nearby streets.

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According to some reports, the store was allegedly looted during the disorder, although authorities had not publicly confirmed details regarding that allegation.

Police had not released a final arrest total as of Sunday, but officials told KABC that at least 100 people had been taken into custody during the operation.

Authorities have not announced how many criminal charges, if any, will ultimately be filed.

Aerial footage broadcast by CBS Los Angeles showed large crowds still gathered shortly after 10 p.m., hours after officers first responded to the scene.

The footage also showed emergency personnel loading at least one individual into an ambulance.

Officials had not released an official count of injuries beyond confirming that several police officers were hurt and expected to recover. It also remained unclear exactly how many people participated in the gathering.

As officers worked to clear the area, police established a skirmish line and instructed attendees to leave and return home, according to CBS Los Angeles.

Authorities did not immediately identify what initially sparked the confrontation that led to the large police response.

Videos circulating on social media captured the tense moments as mounted officers advanced through portions of the crowd on the beach while people scattered in multiple directions.

The footage quickly spread online as images from the holiday celebration drew widespread attention.

The annual Independence Day celebrations along Southern California beaches routinely attract thousands of visitors, but officials indicated this year’s gathering in Newport Beach became increasingly difficult to manage as disorder spread from the beach onto nearby streets.

Law enforcement remained at the scene for several hours while working to disperse the remaining crowds and secure the surrounding area.

The Newport Beach Police Department had not released additional details regarding individual arrests, possible charges, or the reported looting allegations as of Sunday evening.

The Independent reported that it contacted the Newport Beach Police Department seeking additional information about the incident.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information could be released as investigators continue reviewing the events surrounding the July 4 disturbance.

The incident marks one of the largest public safety responses during this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Southern California, with officers using mounted units, crowd-control tactics, and multiple law enforcement resources to restore order after the holiday gathering turned chaotic.

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