Teenagers Arrested During Unauthorized Fight in Long Island Park

Two 19-year-olds from Northport were taken into custody after engaging in a physical altercation in Melville’s Walt Whitman Park, which drew a crowd of about 70 spectators.

The incident occurred early Sunday evening and was promoted through a social media post, leading to an unexpected public gathering. Police responded swiftly after being alerted to the event on Instagram, which had since been deactivated.

As officers arrived, the spectators dispersed, but the two fighters remained at the scene, where they were detained and issued tickets for unlawful assembly. Their names are Finley McCloskey and Jake Zimilies.

The fight was described by authorities as an illegal “fight club,” a concept popularized by Chuck Palahniuk’s 1996 novel and subsequent film. It’s unclear whether the participants were intentionally referencing the story or following the unofficial rules often associated with fight clubs, such as the tradition that first-timers must participate in a brawl.

The Instagram account used to promote the fight has been shut down. Officials emphasized the dangers of such illegal gatherings, which frequently attract unwelcome attention and can turn violent.

Similar incidents have occurred in New York City’s Queens, where migrant shelters have been plagued by fights and organized brawls, sometimes in public places like parking lots and fast-food establishments, contributing to safety concerns in the area.