Teen in viral Alabama brawl hailed as ‘Black Aquaman’ after swimming to help battered dock worker

The 16-year-old boy has been dubbed “Black Aquaman” for his swift motion after he was filmed leaping into an Alabama river and swimming to assist a dock employee throughout a wild brawl in Alabama.

The teenager, recognized solely as Aaren, was considered one of a number of individuals who rushed to save lots of the black safety guard as he was being attacked by a bunch of individuals throughout a WWE-style melee that consumed the Montgomery Riverfront on Saturday.

Makina Lashea, a consultant for the boy’s household, touted Aaren’s motion and stated the household was pleased with the superhero nickname bestowed upon him.

“Within the face of adversity, Aaren selflessly got here to the rescue of a fellow colleague, showcasing braveness past his years,” Lashea stated in a statement.

“The overwhelming love and assist pouring in from all corners of the state and surrounding areas have deeply touched Aaeren.”

Saturday’s violence erupted after the guard instructed a bunch of white people to not dock their pontoon boat within the space, kicking the vessel away as they ignored him.

The guard was then rushed by a shirtless man and commenced buying and selling blows with him earlier than a number of different males and at the very least one lady circled him and commenced pummeling him.

Whereas many had been screaming in horror on the sight, a number of males might be seen working all the way down to the docks, whereas Aaren jumped into the water, swam throughout the river, and pulled himself as much as be part of them.

The violence shortly got here to an finish as soon as a bunch of officers arrived on the scene, with 4 warrants issued up to now and extra more likely to come after police end reviewing footage of the battle, WSFA reported.

With the video of the brawl going viral, many on social media have immediately identified Aaren’s involvement, praising the teenager.

“We’re immensely pleased with his actions and the values he exemplifies, standing as an inspiration to us all,” Lashea stated. “Your messages and gestures of appreciation haven’t gone unnoticed, and so they have left a long-lasting impression on Aaren and his household.

“We guarantee you that he’ll proceed being a power for good on the planet,” she added.

Other than Aaren, nobody concerned within the brawl has been publicly recognized save for Chase Shipman, the proprietor of Vasser’s Mini-Mart in Selma, who claimed to have tried to cease the combating,  The Selma Times-Journal reported.

Shipman’s declare, nonetheless, has been disputed by many, together with Selma Metropolis Councilwoman Angela Benjamin, who stated extra footage of the brawl reveals he was concerned within the fist battle.

Regardless of claiming to have gotten away from the brawl, Shipman was filmed as considered one of a number of individuals detained by police on the scene. Shipman couldn’t be instantly reached for remark.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed condemned the violence as a horrific assault carried out in opposition to “a person who was doing his job.”

“Warrants are being signed and justice shall be served,” he added. “As our police division investigates these insupportable actions, we should always not turn into desensitized to violence of any sort in our group.”