Fights, an unruly crowd, and multiple alleged incidents of disorderly conduct resulted in the closure of Silver Beach County Park Tuesday night.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says on Tuesday night at approximately 8:30 pm, law enforcement responded to a large disturbance at Silver Beach County Park. The deputies present requested assistance from both the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety. Both responded quickly to assist and dispersed the disorderly crowd.
The sheriff’s office says despite initial efforts, several additional fights broke out in the vicinity.
“To gain control of the situation and prevent further violence, deputies deployed oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly referred to as pepper spray, against individuals actively engaged in physical altercations. Due to ongoing disorderly behavior, the shift lieutenant for the Sheriff’s Office made the decision to close Silver Beach County Park for the remainder of the evening.”
Announcements were made over the public address systems of multiple patrol vehicles instructing patrons to vacate the park.
Officials say as a result, three adults were cited for misdemeanor disturbing the peace. Additionally, a warrant will be sought for an individual identified as an instigator in the initial assault which was captured on citizen video and provided to deputies. Earlier in the day, prior to the disturbance, BCSO issued six citations to park patrons for possession of alcohol in violation of park rules.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that there is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, marijuana use in public, and general criminal conduct within Berrien County Parks.
