Western homecoming partiers threw cans and bottles at first responders, damaged street signs and trees, and jumped off of rooftops as celebrations stretched into the evening hours Saturday, according to London police.
Police released their account on Tuesday of what transpired during the unsanctioned street parties, as well as the dozens of charges that were laid.
The number of purple-and-white-clad revelers ballooned to an estimated 10,000 along streets including Broughdale Avenue, Mill Street, Huron Street, Mayfair Crescent, and Epworth Avenue during the day Saturday. By nightfall, roughly 7,000 remained in attendance, forcing police to close several roads as a safety precaution. It was during that time partygoers became increasingly more rowdy and, at times, violent, police said.
"While the majority of young people in attendance were cooperative with police, fire, and paramedic services throughout the day, during the evening hours the crowd behaviour showed notable changes as the day progressed,” said Inspector Ryan Scrivens.
He said some attendees chucked projectiles, including cans and bottles, at officers and police vehicles and demonstrated "other acts of violence".
"Some members of the crowd damaged property including a police vehicle, removed street signs and trees from the ground, and several partygoers were observed jumping from rooftops," said Scrivens. "Some of these behaviours had the potential for life-changing consequences. We are fortunate that we did not have any serious injuries."
In anticipation of the large unsanctioned parties, additional police officers were brought in from Windsor, York, and Hamilton. Scrivens offered his thanks to those officers and other community partners who helped with enforcement throughout the day and night.
Overall, 38 liquor licence control act charges, 16 highway traffic act charges, 10 bylaw charges, and two criminal code charges were laid. The criminal charges were for assault with a weapon and possession of property obtained by crime. There were also 249 administrative monetary penalties issued for a variety of offences including public nuisance parties, excessive noise, and parking violations.
Police also issued numerous verbal warnings to partiers throughout the celebrations.
The London Health Sciences Centre reported that it treated 31 patients in relation to the unsanctioned gatherings.
