WPD investigates large fight on Front Street during Halloween weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department is investigating a large fight that broke out in downtown Wilmington early Sunday morning during Halloween celebrations, part of a weekend that saw violent incidents reported in cities across the country.

The fight happened around 12:30 a.m. Sunday on Front Street. Video of the incident shows several people fighting in the middle of the street, including people dressed in Halloween costumes.

Andrew McCracken, of Southport, was downtown with friends filming a music video when the fight broke out.

“We were in between takes when this all transpired,” McCracken said. “They were in the middle of the street huddled up and scuffling and we were like ‘oh!'”

In the video, one person dressed as Deadpool can be seen nearly kicking another person during the altercation.

“Of course on Halloween night while you are dressed as Deadpool why not just go all in 100 percent on it,” McCracken said.

McCracken said he does not know what started the fight but witnessed police place at least one person in handcuffs.

He also said the fight was not the only disturbance he noticed downtown that night.

“I think we saw the aftermath of those other fights,” McCracken said. “I think there were some other incidents that occurred but that one was the main event.”

A spokesperson for the Wilmington Police Department said officers had an increased presence downtown ahead of Halloween festivities.

In a statement to WWAY, the department addressed the video circulating on social media and explained how officers responded.

“We are aware of a video circulating on social media that occurred early Sunday morning in downtown Wilmington. In an effort to protect nearby citizens and assist those who were knocked to the ground by violent individuals, officers used non-lethal force. The initial altercation is under investigation by the WPD.”

The incident in Wilmington came during a violent Halloween weekend across the country, with reports of shootings and other violent incidents in multiple cities.

Nationwide, at least 24 people died and more than 90 others were injured in violent incidents over the weekend. In Raleigh, one person was injured in a shooting Saturday night.

McCracken believes a combination of alcohol, Halloween celebrations and the additional hour associated with the end of daylight saving time may have contributed to the disturbances downtown.

“There was definitely something in the air that night,” McCracken said.

The Wilmington Police Department continues to investigate the fight.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact WPD.