San Diego Police Break Up Beach Brawl

San Diego Police Break Up Beach Brawl

Sep 4 12:15 PM US/Eastern


SAN DIEGO (AP) - Police in riot gear sprayed smoke and tear gas to break up a hostile crowd throwing bottles and cans during a massive Labor Day brawl at Pacific Beach.
Sixteen people were arrested and face charges of fighting and being drunk in public.

Police were called when the crowd, estimated at about 500, started brawling, authorities said. Beach lifeguards locked themselves in their towers, witnesses told television reporters.

It was not immediately known what triggered the fight.

A police helicopter hovered over the beach while officers on the ground formed a skirmish line along the boardwalk.

No officers were injured.

City Councilman Kevin Faulconer went to see the fight for himself and said alcohol likely played a part in it. Because of the brawl, he said he is considering a push to ban alcohol on city beaches.