Charlie Saikley 6-Man Tournament Produces Few Arrests

In its second year of weekday competition, the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament appears to have moved beyond the raucous party atmosphere it became known for when it was held on the weekend.

On opening day Wednesday, police arrested two and issued some citations, a marked improvement from 2011 [the last time the tourney was held on a weekend] when 35 were arrested for issues such as driving under the influence, petty theft, grand theft, vandalism, trespass and resisting arrest.

Wednesday, one player was ejected from the tourney and cited after he urinated on the sand near kids who part of a beach camp; another player was arrested for public intoxication, said Stephanie Martin of the Manhattan Beach Police Department Thursday.

In addition, an adult was arrested for buying alcohol for a minor and public intoxication; the minor was cited for possession of alcohol, she said. Another minor was cited for possession of tobacco.

Out in full force, thanks to an authorization from City Council to crackdown on the disruptive behavior that came to be associated with the tournament, many of the 50+ sworn police officers assigned to the downtown area where the 6-Man is held were dismissed around 3 p.m. with more leaving around 5:30 p.m., said Martin.

Thirteen sworn officers and 32 hired security staff will patrol the downtown area and tournament during the competition's final day Thursday, she said.