Landfall security guard recovering after teen fight during Fourth of July celebration
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department is investigating a fight involving several teenagers during a Fourth of July celebration Friday night at the Country Club of Landfall that left a security guard injured.
According to friends and family, security guard Russell James was punched in the eye while trying to break up the altercation. They said he suffered a black eye, vision impairment, a concussion and other injuries that will require ongoing treatment.
Witnesses said the teenagers involved were not members of the Landfall community and had been riding e-bikes near the back of the crowd during the holiday celebration before the fight broke out.
The incident comes amid several large gatherings involving teenagers, sometimes referred to as “teen takeovers,” reported across the country over the Fourth of July weekend. Two such incidents in North Carolina reportedly drew thousands of teens and resulted in multiple fights, with nine people injured in shootings.
Local psychologist Dr. Erika Fisher said group dynamics can play a significant role in risky behavior among teenagers.
“Getting in these packs, in these groups, they can go out there and create mayhem and cause trouble, those are things that maybe they wouldn’t do if they were by themselves and somebody knew exactly who they were, it makes them anonymous which is really pretty scary,” Fisher said.
Fisher said social media, limited parental oversight and a lack of purpose or belonging can also contribute to these situations.
“Get your kids involved with things that are healthy and appropriate, keep that communication line open if they feel like they are drifting too far, pull your kids back, let them know that you care and that you are interested in their life,” Fisher said. “Don’t just let them go out there and run rogue because their brains are not developed enough to just go out and make good decisions for themselves.”
Sophie Holland, a rising senior at Wilmington Christian Academy who recently won a state democracy writing competition, said many teenage boys feel pressure to appear tough and confident.
“I think there’s a certain aspect of it where it’s like, I want to be tough, I want to be cool, I don’t want people to think I’m weak. I want people to think I’m strong, that I’m sure of myself and that I know who I am.”
Holland said that pressure can sometimes lead some teens to express themselves through aggression.
In a message to residents following the incident, Landfall officials said they remain focused on the community’s safety.
“We are committed first and foremost to the safety of our owners, staff and community and your well being…and calls regarding the future of the fireworks event and at this time this is not our focus.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help James with his recovery.
