BREAKING FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: 50 kids involved in street fight

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Wilmington Police Officers tell us about 50 kids and adults started fighting near 12th and Chestnut Streets this afternoon.

They say the fight continued down to 13th Street and then onto the playground at Rankin Terrace.

They arrested at least five of the fighters.

We’re waiting to get more information from the Police Department and will have more when it comes in.

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Wilmington Police Department
MEDIA UPDATE
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 – 7:20 p.m.
Case#: 2011-012746

Time: Dispatched at 3:39 p.m. – Wednesday afternoon

Location: 12th and Chestnut Streets, to 13th and Princess Streets and finally to 11th and Rankin Streets (Rankin Terrace).

Offense: Affray, disorderly conduct, related offenses

Summary: A WPD officer patrolling in the area of 12th & Chestnut Streets saw a group of 40 – 50 people fighting. As additional officers converged on the area, people began walking or running away in different directions. Some ran south on 12th Street onto Princess Street and began fighting again behind New Hanover High School. As officers arrived there, the group again dispersed and then resumed fighting in the middle of Rankin Terrace. Officers began arresting people who were fighting. WPD officers arrested six people (three adults, three juveniles). Several NHCSO school resource officers responded to assist, and they arrested at least one person. Officers confiscated two knives at the scene. No one was seriously injured. It is unclear at this time why the fighting began.

Arrest information is incomplete tonight, but additional details may be available tomorrow (Thursday).

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HERE’S A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 5:45 P.M.:

This is to confirm that WPD officers responded at about 4:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon to disperse a large disorderly crowd.

Two groups, ranging in age from early teens to young adults, were involved in the fight. Officers broke it up and moved the two groups apart, but the groups came back together and began fighting again near Rankin Terrace (12th and Rankin Streets).

At least several people were arrested. Additional information will be disseminated as soon as details are available.