Chaos has hit the beach in one of San Diego’s most exclusive coastal neighborhoods as teens are taking part in informal “fight clubs” — and police say social media is fueling the surge.
In recent week, La Jolla, a wealthy seaside community known for its upscale homes and scenic coastline, has seen a spike in what authorities describe as fight club-style disturbances at Marine Street Beach, a popular local surf spot.
“These meetups are not random,” SDPD Sgt. Ricky Escalante told Fox 5 San Diego. “We have had an influx of large groups coming into our beaches, not just from San Diego, but from other counties as well.”
Teens are organizing meetups through social media, and the gatherings can quickly escalate into full-blown brawls.
One Instagram user posted videos showing both girls’ and boys fight — with some wearing boxing gloves and others bare-knuckled.
What often begins as a casual beach hangout can spiral as more teens arrive, turning the area into a flashpoint for disorderly behavior.
“A lot of the times, the fights start up as more organized boxing matches, and then from that they do escalate to actual full-on fist fights,” Escalante told Fox 5.
Residents say the scene feels out of place in a neighborhood better known for quiet, upscale living than brutal beatdowns.
Police say they are working to stop future gatherings by increasing patrols and monitoring activity as the trend continues to grow.
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