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Hundreds pack meeting, speak out against Oceanfront violence

Posted at 11:46 PM, May 01, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-02 06:24:20-04

Virginia Beach, Va. - The chaos at the Oceanfront this past weekend is still very much on the minds of those in Virginia Beach.

Emotions ran high as hundreds packed a town hall meeting to speak out about the mayhem. Tens of thousands lined the streets of the Oceanfront, many who were there for College Beach Weekend.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera admits they did not expect such a huge crowd, but was proud of his officers' response.

Many at the meeting did not agree.

Police scanner traffic from the Oceanfront:

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

"I’m retired military and one of the things they taught us is when we screw up, the first thing we say is 'I messed that up and I’m going to do better, “says David Lyn, who lives at the Oceanfront. “I haven't heard that tonight."

Chief Cervera says several extra officers were out patrolling Saturday night and Atlantic Avenue was shut down to traffic to help with police response.

In the end, 148 people were arrested. The violence included 3 shootings, several stabbings and several robberies.

Business owners say that violence will have a huge effect come tourist season.

"People won't come to the beach anymore because of the problem and if you don't know this than you are totally out of touch,” says Steve Clark, an Oceanfront business owner.

City officials say they will continue to analyze the weekend's events to better prepare for the future.

Oceanfront crowd larger than police expected Saturday

Hundreds of 911 calls made Saturday from the Oceanfront

Virginia Beach Police release statistics on weekend arrests, charges at the Oceanfront

Four charged with assault at the Oceanfront

Chaotic Saturday night at the Oceanfront; 3 shootings, 3 stabbings, and 3 robberies