Cracking down on 'staged' fight videos

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- High school students brawling on camera as a crowd gathers to watch: it's something police are on the lookout for.

Authorities in West Haven say video of the 'staged' fights is popping up all over the internet.

Now they're asking parents to help put an end to this, saying those taking part could face serious consequences.

The 'staged' brawl videos were brought to the West Haven Police Department's attention by a school board member. That's when the department sent out a text message alert. That text message goes out strictly to people who are signed up on their website to receive them. Police tell News 8 they've viewed at least five of the YouTube clips, and in some there's even a countdown to action.

News 8 found some with girls fighting, guys fighting, some with big crowds, others without. One of the clips has since been removed Monday as word got out that police and administrators are aware of the videos.

Police say the clips were uploaded as far back as nine months to a year ago, some by a person with the same screen name. News 8 talked to two seniors who say this activity is not always staged and that it isn't happening as often.

"When someone talks about it they always play it in school. The school finds out and makes a big deal about it and there's consequences," said Ray, West Haven senior.

The high school seniors say the fights aren't always staged, sometimes people see fights, the camera comes out, and sharing the videos becomes a form of entertainment.

"Fights like these happened a long time ago and people don't record those fights anymore. They're too hot and it gets people snitching and everything," said Brandon, West Haven senior.

"I just think you're setting yourself up to get arrested, get in trouble," said senior John Carrano.

News 8 called school officials several times to see exactly when they found out this was going on and what the consequences would be if students get caught staging and recording fights. They didn't return our calls.

Police say they have information on some of the students in the clips. Criminal charges could be filed.