Memorial Day 911 Tapes Reveal Fighting at North Avenue Beach
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 24, 2011 2:00PM
A lot of people - certainly you readers - expressed there was more to the closing of North Avenue Beach on Memorial Day than concerns about heat. Turns out there was a little bit of wilding happening as well.
911 tapes obtained by WLS Radio and ABC 7 reveal that there were calls made to the city's 911 control center of people being attacked, threats of violence, fighting and people generally acting like jackasses. Maybe the Tribune didn't get to hear those tapes, since they reported the tapes they received via the Freedom of Information Act "do not contain calls about violent acts."
Both Mayor Emanuel's office and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy are sticking to the "we closed the beach for safety because of heat-related illnesses only" party line. McCarthy's office released a statement in response.
The Chicago Police Department made the decision to close North Avenue beach on Memorial Day in the interest of public safety and public health because of numerous heat-related illnesses on the scene. The closure of North Avenue beach was unrelated to any activity at Oak Street beach on Memorial Day. The Chicago Fire Department initiated an EMS Plan 1, which required the response of multiple ambulances. A total of four people were transported by CFD ambulance, including one person in critical condition. A number of other people approached CFD personnel on site requesting assistance for medical issues. Chicago Police responded to incidents at Oak Street beach, however no arrests were made in connection to any batteries at this location. Chicago Police were also present on the lakefront to maintain crowd control, making six arrests, including one for reckless conduct, an outstanding warrant, and violations of Park District ordinances. Chicago Police also issued 36 citations for violations of City ordinances.