A video posted on social media showing a weekend fight at Highland Park in Meridian doesn’t tell the whole story, authorities said.

    The video, which appears to show a large group of young men engaged in a four-minute altercation, was posted on Facebook earlier this week.  

    The clip does not show the Meridian Police Department responding to the fight, which does not reflect reality, said Meridian Police Department Detective Dareall Thompson.

    “Officers did respond and took two people into custody,” Thompson said. “They were able to get the situation under control. You have to realize, people just put a portion of the incident on Facebook. You don’t see the whole thing.”

    Charged with disorderly conduct were Jarveon Hampton of 3213 25th St. and Joeles Rogers of 518 38th Ave., Thompson said.  

    Thompson said the incident has led police to be more proactive in patrolling the area.

     “We’ve added extra patrols to Highland Park on the weekends, when people are hanging out there. We’re going to start patrolling it more,” he said.

    As of Wednesday, the video had been viewed more that 136,000 times.

    Ward 2 Councilman Dustin Markham worries the video paints a negative image of the city.

    “It’s another blow to potential business and industry coming here. Businesses are going to see something that negatively reflects on Meridian as a city,” Markham said. “I feel that in addition to a constant police presence in all of our parks, we need to take responsibility for our children and address the issues that are important to the improvement and progression of the city. There should be no reason why citizens of Meridian and others should be prevented from partaking and enjoying our park as well as all other great things we have to offer.”

    A splash pad is under construction at the park and is expected to be a popular destination during the hot summer months.

    Joe Norwood, president of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, said it is his belief the fight was not as serious as some people tried to make it out to be.

    “There have been robberies at Walmart and hotels but people still go to shop at Walmart and stay at hotels,” he said. “I think 90 percent of the kids in Meridian can think of much better things. I think it’s been blown way out of proportion. That was something that happened six days ago. People just want to give Highland Park a black eye. Highland Park is still a safe place to be.”