During a St. Patrick's Day celebration in downtown Grand Rapids, a brawl involving a large crowd led to the deployment of pepper balls by police to restore order. According to WZZM 13, the Grand Rapids Police Department reported a gathering of approximately 400 individuals turned chaotic around 2:30 a.m., resulting in five arrests.

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said officers gave verbal warnings before using pepper balls and praised his officers for their "exceptional work" amidst concerns about the force used. This information was detailed in statements by WZZM 13. On the matter of the police response, Winstrom argued that the "pepper spray and pepper ball" outcome should be considered a "win" for the city, avoiding more serious scenarios like gun violence or grave injuries.

Backing up these details, MLive quoted Chief Winstrom saying he found the officers "fully in compliance of best practices and procedures" after a thorough investigation that included bodycam footage, reassuring the public about the accountability and conduct of the city's law enforcement.

Meanwhile, WOODTV covered the critique that emerged on social media following the use of pepper ball launchers, with some accusing the officers of racism in their escalation of the situation. Chief Winstrom noted confidence in the improved trust between police and the community, explaining the video prompted not criticisms but rather queries from African American leaders on ensuring negative police interactions are curtailed.