Fourth Person Charged in Connection with Montgomery Brawl
A fourth person has been charged in connection with a brawl that took place on a riverfront dock in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday. Mary Todd, 21, has been charged with third-degree assault and is currently being held in Montgomery’s municipal jail. The other three individuals charged were Richard Roberts, 48, Allen Todd, 23, and Zachary Shipman, 25. Richard Roberts faces two counts of third-degree assault, while Allen Todd and Zachary Shipman each face one count of third-degree assault.
The fight began as a dispute over a dockside parking spot between the four individuals charged, who are identified as White, and Damien Pickett, a Black co-captain of a riverboat. The altercation quickly escalated into a widespread brawl, which was captured on video and gained national attention. According to a witness, a racial slur was used during the incident.
Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert stated that the brawl was not racially motivated, despite the racial tensions involved. He cited the co-captain’s statement that he did not believe the incident was racially motivated. However, Albert noted that if more evidence arises to suggest a hate crime, the charges may be amended accordingly.
The victims of the assault were Damien Pickett and a 16-year-old White boy who had transported Pickett to the dock in a small boat. The mother of the White boy alleged in a sworn statement that Richard Roberts punched her son in the chest while he attempted to defend Pickett from the attackers. She also claimed that another man in the group threatened to retrieve a gun before being tackled by an employee of the riverboat.
Authorities are still investigating the incident and are considering additional charges. A man seen wielding a chair during the brawl is being asked to contact the police. Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert stated that there is still more work to be done on the investigation and that additional arrests may be made.
The altercation began when the Harriott II riverboat attempted to dock in its designated spot, but found a private boat occupying the space. The co-captain, Damien Pickett, was picked up from the riverboat by another vessel and brought to the dock to resolve the situation. However, the confrontation quickly turned violent.
Montgomery, known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement, has a history of racial tensions. The city played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade and later became the site of Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The police chief emphasized the importance of getting the investigation right due to the city’s history and the need for justice for all parties involved.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any video or audio evidence of the incident. Montgomery’s first Black mayor, Steven Reed, acknowledged that emotions were running high during the brawl but emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of the situation.
In conclusion, the fourth person involved in the Montgomery brawl has been charged with third-degree assault. The incident, which sparked national attention, has raised concerns about racial tensions in the city. The police continue to investigate the case and are considering additional charges.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-11 00:23:00
Comments are closed.