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Hundreds pack town hall meeting after weekend of violence at Virginia Beach

Posted at 6:38 AM, May 02, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-02 06:38:18-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WTVR) - After a weekend of violence that ended up in 148 arrests, hundreds of residents packed a town hall meeting voicing their concerns.

Virginia Beach city leaders are trying to figure out how to prevent something like this from happening again.

This after multiple robberies, stabbings, and shootings in just a matter of hours on the oceanfront on Saturday.

The Virginia Beach police chief admits they did not expect such a huge crowd, but said he's proud of his officers' response.

Business owners are worried the violence will have a negative impact on tourist season.

"People won't come to the beach anymore because of the problem," business owner Steve Clark said. "If you don't know this, than you are totally out of touch."

City officials say they will continue to analyze the weekend's events to better prepare for the future.