Authorities in Long Beach detained several teenagers after dispersing a crowd of approximately 200 minors who had gathered in an area of the city, police said Friday.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers responded to the area of Bayshore Avenue and Ocean Boulevard around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday after a report of a large gathering.

Upon arrival, officers began dispersing the group, and during the intervention, a fight broke out between Ocean Boulevard and Termino Avenue, resulting in the detention of several minors, police said.

Police Response and Community Safety

Around 10 p.m., police cited five teenagers for violating the city’s curfew and released them to their guardians.

Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish urged the community to participate in authorized events taking place in the city and highlighted the work of officers in maintaining public safety.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the permitted events taking place in our city. Our officers have an exceptionally challenging and demanding job, and they remain dedicated to keeping everyone safe. When inappropriate activity occurs, our response will be swift, direct, and focused,” Hebeish said in a statement.

The police chief added that large-scale disturbances like the one that occurred consume significant department resources and divert officers from other safety concerns in Long Beach, including emergency responses.

He also reported that the department will maintain an increased presence throughout the weekend and warned that violent behavior and violations of the law will not be tolerated.

No injuries were reported in this incident.

Long Beach Police asked residents to report suspicious or unusual activity by following the philosophy of “If you see something, say something,” by calling the police dispatch at 562-435-6711.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.