By Paul Martella
HUNTING BEACH, Calif. (KTLA) – Rioting broke out near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street on Sunday evening, but was quelled within a few hours.
The unrest occurred while officers were attempting to disperse crowds following the close of the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing around 5:00 p.m.
The Huntington Beach Police Department requested help from other law-enforcement agencies to help clear the streets, Lt. Mitchell O’Brien said.
The area was declared an unlawful assembly and police moved in to make arrests, according to a Huntington Beach Police Department press release.
There was damage to property, including several portable toilets that were pushed over, witness Francisco Gomez told KTLA.
Officers used pepper spray on individuals in the mob, Gomez said.
Police reported a civil disturbance in downtown Huntington Beach Sunday evening.
Video obtained by KTLA showed people pushing over portable toilets and fighting in downtown Huntington Beach.
Authorities were able to gain control of the downtown area by 10:00 p.m.
Several police cruisers were damaged and windows were broken along Main Street, O’Brien said.
A number of people were arrested, he added.
