More than 100 people brawled on a Massachusetts beach Sunday evening in a melee that saw bottles and rocks hurled, some at police, and nine people arrested.
The fight broke out near the bandstand on Revere Beach soon before 6:15 p.m. when two girls or women began fighting, Mayor Dan Rizzo said. Their boyfriends joined in, and then their boyfriends' friends, and it kept growing from there, he said.
Bottles and rocks were thrown during the fight, some of them at police officers. No injuries were reported.
Massachusetts State Police Lt. Dan Richard said those involved in the fight were "pushing and shoving and throwing bottles." He said the bottles were likely plastic soda bottles.
State police said nine people - five female, four male - were charged with disorderly conduct.
One of the people arrested, Cornelius Jackson, 24, was arraigned Monday on charges of trespassing, resisting arrest, giving a false name and disorderly conduct. While being arrested, he allegedly attempted to kick out the windows of the State Police cruiser.
Jackson pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. Jackson is not permitted to go near Revere Beach and has a 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew. He's scheduled to return to court on July 15 for a pretrial hearing with attorney Rayleen Wentz..
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The other eight people arrested are juveniles and their names were not released. They were also expected to be arraigned on Monday.
Troopers from three Massachusetts State Police barracks, as well as Revere, Boston and Lynn, responded to the scene of the fight. Chelsea Police provided mutual aid.
State police and Revere Police announced Monday that they will be increasing patrols on and around the beach as summer approaches in anticipation of the large crowds and the potential for those crowds to become unruly. The patrols will include uniformed and undercover state troopers, as well as a K-9 unit, and will focus on large disorderly groups, gang activity, illegal drug use, underage alcohol consumption, fighting and motor vehicle offenses including drunken driving and racing.
"We will undertake a comprehensive and coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who wants to use the beach peacefully this summer can do so without fear of unruly groups and criminal activity," said Major Arthur Sugrue, commander of Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police. "Everyone is welcome to enjoy all our state beaches and reservations, but must do so lawfully and with respect for the rights of others around them."
Tushar Batra, who witnessed the brawl, shared video from the incident with necn.
