Police Investigating After Large Brawl Breaks Out On Coney Island Beach
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are investigating a brawl that broke out on a Coney Island beach and left two people hospitalized.
The incident, which happened around 7 p.m. Monday, was caught on cell phone video and posted on social media.
Investigators say what started as a verbal arguments between two groups on the packed beach escalated to a fight, just feet from the Coney Island boardwalk near Stillwell Avenue.
Multiple young men appear to join in and when it was over, police said a 21-year-old man was slashed in the face and a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the stomach, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
"People, they start drinking, get around the wrong crowd and things start to happen," said Brighten Beach resident Wayne Armstrong.
The two who were hurt were taken to the hospital as police combed the area, searching for suspects.
Michael Huff works at one of the boardwalk stands.
"Sometimes you can't prevent stuff like that from happening," he said. "There's definitely security that walks around here."
"In the afternoon, we always see a police presence especially on the boardwalk," said Brooklyn resident Theresa Wozunk. "I don't usually see anybody patrolling the beach itself. The lifeguards are who you assume you'd go to if any thing would happen."
Beachgoers who have seen the video say they're now being more cautious.
"You gotta be smart, know when to get out," said Armstrong.
Investigators say it's not clear why the fight started and say they are looking for several suspects.