HAMPTON, Va. - Hampton Police are looking to identify people involved in an assault at Buckroe Beach Tuesday evening.
Video of the violent, relentless fighting was shared on Facebook more than 1,000 times on Thursday.
Officers were called to a large crowd and fight around 7:45 p.m. near the Main Pavilion area at Buckroe Beach.
When police arrived, the crowd had already begun to disperse. According to police, individuals that were still on scene were uncooperative.
Police say they didn't know about the video until someone sent it to them on Thursday.
The fight happened right next to a community playground and down the street from some neighbors who say they are shocked.
"It's unfortunate that our society today has gotten to this, that people can just stand around and watch somebody be beaten to death, it's just ridiculous," says Debra Davis, a Buckroe Beach resident.
A teen witness of the fight tells News 3, the two started fighting after one accused the other of stealing a bag.
He says other bystanders have been threatened by the fighters to not give their names to police.
The Hampton Police Division is actively investigating this incident and said those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Police say they are also investigating claims of a person carrying a gun in the background of the video.
Other long-time residents have started a Facebook group to develop a neighborhood watch, so they can have eyes at the beach when police are not there.
"I remember when I was 10-years-old, we would go out there and have movie night and lay on the beach and everything, you can't even do that anymore," says Thomas Hooks. "We want our beach back."
A spokeswoman for Hampton City Schools says she cannot confirm that the people in the video are currently students.
She says there is inaccurate information circulating that the fight occurred during a Hampton City Schools after-school program under the supervision of HCS staff, but she says that is not true.
Police are encouraging the victim and their family to contact the Hampton Police Division. If you or anyone you know has additional information, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
