By David Harry
Staff Writer

Biddeford Police Chief Roger P. Beaupre said an investigation into a July street fight on Pierson’s Lane has led to the identification of some people at the scene.
However, he said, the most severe charge anyone might face is disturbing the peace because the two young men seen fighting were willing participants. Beaupre said the department will not pursue charges unless supported by the York County District Attorney’s Office
“They live in the area, this was a sporting thing,” Beaupre said about the fight that lasts 96 seconds and was witnessed by about a dozen people.
The fight, which began in the middle of the street and continued downhill to the front porch of an apartment building, has circulated on the Internet since July.
Beaupre said it represents “a new phenomenon” of fights circulated through Internet social networks. He said the department has not had complaints of such fights and received a copy of the video about 10 days ago.
The fight video on the Internet was not the only one taken, as one spectator is seen holding up her cell phone as fighters are urged on by the crowd. Beaupre said he does not know if spectators were betting on the fight.
In the audio portion of the tape, one spectator tells another he was on the way to play basketball when he heard the fight was happening. The combatants were frisked for weapons before the fight started. The audio includes a comment from a woman who referenced one of the fighters as her brother.
Pierson’s Lane is a narrow street that runs between Pool and Water streets. The fight occurred in the block between Bacon and Water streets.
Mayor Joanne Twomey said she is aware the video exists, but has not had the chance to view it. She said she would confer with Beaupre after she watched the fight and said she had been led to understand the combatants might not be from the city.
Police in southern Maine have confronted fight rings in the past year using social media networks to circulate the times and places for fights.
Last November, South Portland resident Christopher Randall and Portland resident Christian Adams were summonsed by Westbrook police officers who broke up an agreed-upon fight staged in a ring illuminated by car lights.
After the fight, Westbrook Police Lt. Mike Nugent said some people at the scene may not have been aware staging the fight violated the law.
“It is a safety concern. Someone could get seriously hurt and it is also a quality of life issue for people living the area where fights are happening,” Nugent said.

Staff Writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.