As we all sadly know, there have been several instances of mass panic in public spaces when people think they hear gunfire. Sometimes unfortunately, it turns out to be true. People race to safety to save their lives. And occasionally, what they believe are gunshots are actually something completely harmless. That was the case at Daytona Beach in Florida recently. Spring break revelers enjoying themselves occupied almost every inch of the sandy shore there. Mercifully, everyone was alright. The unlikely culprit of the disturbance? Water bottles being crushed!
Videos by Wide Open Country
"No Gunshots" Were Fired on the Beach
Per the New York Post, "'There were zero gunshots on the beach,' Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Monday after video showing hundreds of terrified beachgoers fleeing for their lives went viral." After so many tragic instances of shootings at sites like schools, bars, and outdoor events, it's pretty understandable that the public is jittery.
The Sheriff Thinks Social Media Triggered the Fleeing Frenzy
There was reportedly a large police presence on the beach to maintain order, just in case of unlawful conduct. The sheriff ascribed this wild incident to the power of social media. That is hard to rein in. Chitwood added, "This incident was, clearly, social media-driven. 'Let's all go and invade Daytona.' And there isn't a whole lot more we can do other than what we did."
More than 80 arrests were made during the weekend, per the outlet. Weapons were confiscated in half a dozen of those arrests. "Open alcohol container violations" were the other reason for many of the arrests.
No Gun Arrests Were Made at Daytona Beach
The gun arrests did not occur at the beach. Two individuals, an adult and a juvenile, were reportedly arrested "for illegally possessing firearms." Seven illegal aliens were also taken into custody.
Youthful Partyers Who Were Arrested Were "Absolutely Polite"
Chitwood observed that the young people who were taken into custody by police were "absolutely polite and understood why they were bring arrested." Florida is an appealing destination for college students in spring break. Since Fort Lauderdale and Miami set curfews to curb their sometimes out-of-control behavior, Daytona Beach has become a location that they flock to in droves, the outlet stated.
