Southern California police vow to quash planned ‘takeover’ event following recent chaos

Huntington Beach police are vowing to prevent a potential “takeover” event being promoted across social media that they believe could get out of control.

Police said they became aware of the event from a flyer online advertising an “end of summer beach bash” in the city.

“Dear ‘Beach Bash’ organizers…” police said in an Instagram post Thursday. “Thanks for the flyer. We’ve seen it too.”

They continued, “We have no intention of allowing that to happen here.”

No further details were provided about when the event was planned to take place or the exact location.

Police and the city of Huntington Beach said they’re working to prevent the event following similar events in Southern California that resulted in violence, vandalism and other criminal activity.

One chaotic event that was held in Newport Beach on the Fourth of July ended with more than 400 people being arrested, according to police. Some partygoers were seen fist fighting, while others allegedly vandalized property and local businesses, including a Pavilions grocery store.

Newport Beach police said social media posts drew a large influx of people to Newport Pier in a short amount of time, and the event got out of control.

Huntington Beach PD warned that anyone who organizes, promotes or participates in criminal activity associated with a takeover event may be arrested or prosecuted. Charges may include incitement to riot, vandalism, theft, assault, reckless driving, unlawful assembly, conspiracy or other applicable offenses.

They also warned that juveniles would not be exempt from punishment, and parents or guardians may also be liable for damages caused by their child’s actions.

The HBPD Special Investigations Bureau has already identified individuals believed to be involved in organizing and promoting the event, according to police.

If you have information regarding this event, you are urged to contact Huntington PD’s Special Investigations Bureau at 714-536-5991.