Mayor Robert Novitke of Grosse Pointe Woods was disappointed that rowdy youths marred his community's fireworks Sunday night, he tells Kathy Ryan of the Grosse Pointe News. The city may drop the annual gathering, he indicates.
"We lose the enjoyment of what should be a community and family event when our main issue is preserving the peace," Novitke said. "Our family event is no longer a family event."
Police officers broke up 13 fights among juveniles during the event next to Parcells Middle School at Mack and Vernier, Public Safety Director Andrew Pazuchowski said.
Two juveniles arrested nearby are charged with disorderly conduct. No injuries were reported.
Fighting "scared the hell out of our residents," Pazuchowski said.
Pazuchowski ordered the fireworks to begin about 20 minutes earlier than usual. Before the show was over, he ordered the high beam lights located around the field to be turned on so the 50 officers on hand could see better.
