Shoppers Cutting in Line Sparks Early Black Friday Brawl at Rialto Walmart: Police

The store was open overnight for Black Friday shoppers

A fight broke out in the parking lot of a Walmart in San Bernardino County Thursday night as shoppers jostled in line to take advantage of Black Friday door buster deals.

Tensions were high at the retail giant's Rialto location because shoppers were cutting in line, said Sgt. Nicholas Borchard, with the Rialto Police Department.

At least three people were involved in the brawl and two have been taken into custody, Borchard said. A police officer broke his wrist as he broke up the brawl.

The incident happened at 7 on Thanksgiving night at a Walmart at 1610 Riverside Ave. (map). Police say there were three fights total at the store, two of which were inside over merchandise and the third outside that injured the officer.

A Walmart spokeswoman could confirm no other details, saying only that police responded quickly and customer safety is the store’s top priority.

NBC4 obtained witness video of the brawl, which showed what appeared to be a police officer drag at least one person in the parking lot. A crowd had gathered around the fight.

Shoppers were welcome at the mega-retailer's Rialto location -- about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles -- starting at 7 a.m. Thursday.

The store was set to remain open until 10 p.m. Friday.

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