11 adults accused in Facebook brawl to face charges

Published 8:15 pm Friday, July 14, 2017

A July 20 court date has been set for 11 adults accused of being involved in an ongoing fight July 7 that was broadcast on Facebook.

Vicksburg Police Chief Milton Moore said the 11 are part of a group of 16 adults and two juveniles charged with disturbing the peace in connection with fights that began on Pearl Street after 4 p.m., then moved to Ethel Street and later to Farmer Street, where the last melee occurred about 7:30 p.m.

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He said officers received tips from residents about some of the people involved, were able to identify them using photographs in the police department’s data system and prepared warrants for their arrest. Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor crime. No decision has been made whether to charge the 11 under the city’s disturbing the peace ordinance or under the state statute for the crime, which carries a maximum fine of $672.25 and a possible jail sentence of up to six months. The penalty for violating the city ordinance is $272.

The fight videos were broadcast over Facebook Live and show a series of fights at the three locations attended by large groups of people. No one is seen on the videos trying to break the fights up, and people can be heard urging the combatants on.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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