Police Say Fight Near Santa Monica Pier Leaves 2 Injured; 5 In Custody

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica Police said a man was stabbed during a large fight that broke out on the beach on Saturday afternoon, and multiple people are in custody.

At least 20 men were involved in the altercation near the Santa Monica Pier, which police responded to at around 2:20 p.m., officials said. Footage from a police drone was able to confirm there was an active fight, and officers quickly arrived on scene.

Five people have been arrested, officials said: Three for assault with a deadly weapon, one for battery, and one for sexual battery.

Police located a man with a non-life threatening stab wound and another who may have broken his ankle, officials said. Both were transported to the hospital, and officials told City News Service they were apparently involved in the fight.

Police were using metal detectors to search under the sand for a stabbing weapon and eventually recovered a knife, Santa Monica Closeup reported.

It is unclear at this time how the fight started, and authorities are actively investigating. Police ask anyone who witnessed the fight or who may have more information to contact detectives at (310) 458-8491.