At least 16 teenagers were arrested Monday evening following a chaotic brawl that erupted at Coney Island Beach and spilled over onto the nearby Riegelmann Boardwalk, according to the New York Police Department.
As The New York Post reported [1], the disturbance, which unfolded around 6:30 p.m., prompted a large police response as swarms of teens gathered amid sweltering temperatures across the city.
Brawling NYC teens arrested after a wild scene at Coney Island Beach: NYPD https://t.co/bLhOrb3Bgm [2] pic.twitter.com/vJf8llKxyn [3]
— New York Post (@nypost) June 24, 2025 [4]
Law enforcement officials said the initial fight began near West 15th Street and quickly spread to surrounding streets. The scene drew a heavy NYPD presence, with more than 30 officers forming a human barricade to contain the disorder.
Video from the scene showed teens being taken into custody as groups crowded the beach and boardwalk area.
It remains unclear what triggered the altercation. No injuries were immediately reported, and police have not confirmed if the teens shown being arrested in video footage were directly involved in the initial conflict.
As police attempted to restore order, several chases unfolded. One video captured a female paramedic being struck as officers sprinted after a fleeing suspect. The individual was eventually tackled to the ground by officers near park benches and landscaping along the boardwalk.
The unrest extended eastward toward Brighton Beach, nearly a mile away. Video obtained by The Post showed officers pursuing another teen beneath the boardwalk.
As the teen appeared to be complying while lying in the sand, one officer deployed a Taser, striking the suspect in the calves and behind the knees. The footage drew a reaction from onlookers, with one teen shouting, “What are you doing?” as the suspect flailed in response.
The NYPD did not provide immediate comment on the use of a Taser during the incident at Brighton Beach. All arrests made in connection to the events remain under investigation, and charges are still pending, police said.
Brawling NYC teens arrested after a wild scene at Coney Island Beach: NYPD https://t.co/XZgIBuZGpN [5] pic.twitter.com/f2OytrzUr5 [6]
— New York Post (@nypost) June 24, 2025 [7]
The incident follows another recent outbreak of teen violence at a different New York beach. Earlier this month, several high school students were involved in brawls during a senior skip day gathering at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, Long Island.
That event required police intervention via helicopter and led to a temporary shutdown of the beach.
In that case, a large group of students from high schools in Nassau County and Queens had assembled along the waterfront when multiple fights broke out within the crowd.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the Coney Island incident and reviewing additional footage from bystanders and surveillance cameras in the area.