ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Authorities responded to a series of disturbances at Silver Beach County Park Tuesday night, resulting in multiple citations and the temporary closure of the popular beach.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to the park around 8:30 p.m. following reports of a fight. Additional altercations erupted nearby shortly after, prompting deputies to deploy pepper spray in an effort to regain control.
Due to the escalating situation, the shift lieutenant made the decision to close Silver Beach County Park for the remainder of the night.
Three adults were cited with misdemeanors for disturbing the peace, and a warrant has been issued for an individual identified as the instigator of the initial fight, according to sheriff’s deputies.
Earlier in the day, six citations were also issued for alcohol possession, which is prohibited in the park.
Berrien County Undersheriff Greg Sanders said skirmishes are not uncommon as beach weather arrives, but officials were surprised by the timing.
“It was warm but overcast, and it was a Tuesday night — not what we usually expect,” Sanders said. “Typically, there’s one event early in the summer that leads to enforcement actions and a zero-tolerance approach, which usually calms things down for the rest of the season.”
Local business owners echoed the surprise but noted that the incidents have not damaged the beach’s reputation or affected downtown business.
Jeffery Gargano, owner of AireWae Barbershop, commented, “It’s a little surprising since it’s not a holiday yet and the weather’s cold. But I guess fights happen at the beach. Kids are kids.”
The sheriff’s office has an agreement with St. Joseph Public Safety and the Berrien County Parks Department to bring in additional officers during incidents. They also have plans to increase enforcement as summer approaches and beach attendance rises.
