Dozens Arrested After Violence Breaks Out At Fireworks Display Along Lake Michigan

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — Police and some people who gathered to enjoy a southwestern Michigan fireworks display were pelted with bottles as officers were forced to close a beach along Lake Michigan.

A large group of individuals on North Beach in South Haven became violent and fights broke out Sunday evening prior to the start of the Light up the Lakes Fireworks display, South Haven police said Monday in a release.

State troopers, Van Buren sheriff's deputies and Pokagon Tribal officers moved into the area after a request for assistance was issued by South Haven.

Several officers were hit by bottles, but none sought medical treatment. Some bystanders suffered cuts. About a dozen arrests were made.

"The decision to close the North Beach was unfortunate, but necessary," South Haven police said.

The fireworks show started about 10:30 p.m. South Haven is southwest of Grand Rapids.

"It's very unfortunate," South Haven police Sgt. Pat Carlotto told WWMT-TV. "Our main concern is safety for everybody. We wanted people to come and enjoy the fireworks. This is one of the best shows on Lake Michigan, but our concern is for safety and it was just too unsafe to continue on North Beach."

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