Huntington Beach disturbance is under control, police say

Police say they have quelled a disturbance that began Sunday night after a Huntington Beach surf competition.

A large fight broke out about 7:15 p.m. when police attempted to disperse an unruly crowd after the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, an eight-day surf and skate event, authorities said.

Police said the crowd then moved to the city’s downtown area and damaged property.

Huntington Beach police called other agencies for assistance and were able to get control of the crowd about two hours later.

Police did not immediately release any information about the number of arrests or say whether there were any injuries.

One witness, Russ Mundi, who attended the surfing contest, said he saw crowds tip over portable toilets and refuse orders from police to leave. He said police fired what smelled like tear gas. “I heard shots going off, and the whole crowd just started running,” he said.

The surfing event drew thousands of people to the Huntington Beach boardwalk over the weekend.

Twitter: @katelinthicum