LA JOLLA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego police are raising concerns about dangerous meetups involving teens and young adults at a popular La Jolla beach, where fights are being organized through social media and drawing large crowds.

According to the San Diego Police Department, groups of teens, some as young as middle school age, have been coordinating gatherings online, sometimes referring to them as “fight club,” before showing up at Marine Street Beach.

Police say what may begin as a typical beach hangout can quickly escalate. Video obtained by FOX 5/KUSI shows crowds surrounding fights on the sand, with people cheering, recording and, in some cases, escalating the violence.

“These meetups are not random,” said SDPD Sgt. Ricky Escalante. “We have had an influx of large groups coming into our beaches, not just from San Diego, but from other counties as well.”

Officers say some of the fights begin as organized boxing-style matches but can quickly spiral.

“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 said.

Police say crowds have at times reached into the hundreds and even close to 1,000 people overwhelming the area and creating safety concerns.

Authorities say the issues are not limited to the beach itself. Neighbors have reported teens entering nearby properties, causing disturbances and leaving behind damage.

“People going into the yards… urinating, defecating on their property,” Escalante said.

Beachgoers also describe a chaotic environment.

“It’s just very crowded. I see a lot of people get beat up and hurt,” one beachgoer said. “I’m just trying to chill on the beach and have a good time.”

The San Diego Police Department says it is increasing patrols in the area and monitoring social media to identify and prevent planned meetups before they happen.

With warmer weather and spring break crowds building, officers say there is concern these gatherings could continue or grow.

Police are also reminding families that both underage drinking and fighting, even if organized and using boxing gloves, are illegal.

Officials say minors caught drinking alcohol could face citations and potential delays in obtaining a driver’s license. Participating in fights could also lead to additional charges.

50 consensual/enforcement contacts

40 coolers/bags prevented from entering the beach (presumed alcohol)

1 (80-gallon) bag of alcohol bottles/cans collected and disposed of

1 Minor in Possession (MIP) report

1 theft report (PC 488)

2 citations issued

0 fights reported

29 contacts

84 alcohol containers documented

2 vehicle-related contacts involving open containers

4 citations issued

0 fights reported

Police are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and talk with them about the risks and legal consequences tied to these gatherings.

As spring break continues, authorities say enforcement will remain visible at Marine Street Beach in an effort to keep the area safe.

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