NBPD makes 120 arrests over Fourth

Newport Beach police arrested one more person over the Fourth of July holiday than in 2011.

Between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Thursday, police made 120 arrests in Newport Beach, said Police Department spokeswoman Kathy Lowe.

Only two arrests were related to fireworks. Public intoxication, battery and theft, were among the other offenses.

In that same time frame, officers gave out five citations for loud or unruly gatherings, three on Tuesday and two on Wednesday, Lowe said.

The citations, which stem from the Loud and Unruly Gathering Ordinance, can reach $3,000 in fines for the party host and property owner, even if the property owner is not present during the party.

The Fire Department had its hands full too.

Three fires from illegal fireworks — two in trash cans and one in vegetation in Dover Shores — were extinguished without any injury or serious property damage, said Newport Beach Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz.

Lifeguards rescued 36 people from the water, provided first aid to 139 people, and reunited 14 kids with their parents.

They also performed one boat rescue off the West Jetty, Schulz said.

In all, officials estimate about 103,000 people were on the beach Wednesday.

Costa Mesa arrest figures were not immediately available Thursday.

Twitter: @JosephSerna