Police on Monday were unpacking exactly what happened during a weekend brawl that occurred just after the city’s all-day Black History Festival.
The melee broke out about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when a group in some kind of physical altercation spread from Hammond Street and Fair Oaks Avenue to nearby Jackie Robinson Park, according to police, who initially responded with its own officers assigned to the festival.
One person appeared to have been assaulted, but refused help from officers, Pasadena Police Lt. Monica Cuellar said. There was also a report of one person seeking help at a local hospital, but as of Monday, no victims had come forward and it remained unclear how the situation was sparked, Cuellar said.
As the situation unfolded, other fights appeared to break out. Initial reports estimated a crowd size from 200 to 300, but more exact numbers were unclear.
With a large crowd, and multiple fights breaking out, a dispersal order was given several times, Cuellar said, adding that Pasadena officers requested mutual aid assistance from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Altadena station.
No arrests were made, and Cuellar said there was no use of any force by officers.
The brawl unfolded about a half hour after what was a celebratory day celebrating African American history, and a parade devoted to legacy of Jackie Robinson. It was the 42nd such parade, aligning with his famous baseball number: 42.
The events themselves – both the parade and the festival at Robinson Park — drew thousands to watch local bands, drill and drum teams, community organizations, businesses, local elected officials.
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