Principal explains why students fought a man outside a Dania Beach McDonald’s

The Broward Sheriff’s Office says it is continuing to investigate a fight that broke out between a man and teenagers at a Dania Beach McDonald’s last month.

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Cellphone video of the fight has spread on social media. It shows students punching and kicking a man, with part of the confrontation spilling into the road outside a McDonald’s on South Federal Highway.

BSO said deputies were called to the scene around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Investigators said the man had been threatening to fight the students, then left. The students followed him outside, and the fight broke out.

A McDonald’s employee told CBS News Miami off camera that the man had been making racist remarks to the students and instigating the confrontation before it turned physical.

The restaurant is just a few blocks away from the middle school.

“All the kids are talking about it in school; of course, it’s the hottest topic in school right now,” said Ben Coley.

Coley said his two daughters attend Olsen Middle, and they told him about the fight. He called the video concerning.

“Unfortunately, they can’t come here for the leisure activities, but this ain’t the place for violence either,” Coley said.

The Olsen Middle School principal sent this message to parents on Tuesday:

“I want to make you aware of an off-campus incident that occurred more than a week ago, on August 21, involving Olsen Middle School students at the McDonald’s located on Federal Highway in Dania Beach, several blocks from our school.

“An adult man approached the students and initiated a physical confrontation outside of the restaurant. The Broward Sheriff’s Office responded and investigated. No one was injured.

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“We understand that a video of this incident is now circulating on social media and is concerning. While the incident did not occur on school grounds or during the school day, we take any situation involving our students seriously and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement regarding this matter. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”

Patrick Utter said he witnessed part of the fight and tried to break it up. He owns Shenanigans, a sports bar next door.

“They followed him out, the fight spilled out into the street here, got a little heated — kicking, punching, pummeling him,” Utter said.

Utter said students from Olsen Middle and South Broward High School regularly come to the McDonald’s after school and cause problems. He said he believes the store needs more security inside.

“I see kids running around, reckless abandon, no respect for authority. Someone is going to end up getting run over by a car; someone is going to end up getting hurt,” Utter said.

The fight happened about two weeks ago, but a BSO deputy was parked in the McDonald’s parking lot during school dismissal time on Thursday. CBS News Miami also observed McDonald’s employees telling students walking in that Olsen Middle School students were not allowed inside.

BSO said no arrests have been made. It is unclear whether any students will face disciplinary action from the school.

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This report was produced by Miami Herald news partner CBS News Miami.