Arrest Warrants Issued After Chaotic Brawl Breaks Out on Riverfront Dock in Montgomery, Alabama
Authorities have issued arrest warrants after a violent brawl erupted on a popular riverfront dock in Montgomery, Alabama, leaving several injured and property damaged. The incident occurred on Saturday when a confrontation between a Black employee and a group of White men escalated into a physical altercation. The fight involved punches, chairs being thrown, and even someone being thrown into the water.
According to footage of the incident, a shirtless White man charged and shoved the Black employee, leading to others pushing the worker to the ground and assaulting him. The situation quickly grew worse as more groups joined in the fight. Montgomery Police were called to the scene and found a large group of people engaged in the altercation. Several individuals were detained, and charges are pending. Four active arrest warrants have been issued, and there may be more to come, according to Montgomery police spokesperson Maj. Saba Coleman.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, the city’s first Black mayor, condemned the violence and assured that justice will be served. He emphasized that the incident is still under investigation, and officials are looking into all aspects of the brawl. A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to provide more information on the incident.
The incident began when a request was made to move a boat that was blocking the large Harriott II Riverboat from docking near Riverfront Park. The riverboat had been waiting for an extended period, but no one came forward to move the small vessel. A Black employee approached the boat to untie it, leading to a confrontation with a White man. The situation escalated when the employee insisted on moving the boat to make room for the riverboat. One of the men from the group associated with the small boat then pushed the employee and threw a punch, initiating the physical altercation.
Witnesses described the smaller boat group’s behavior as entitled and shocking. After the fight was broken up, they returned to their boats as if nothing had happened, while the riverboat slowly docked. Once the riverboat docked, a second brawl broke out between the riverboat workers and the group from the small boat. Videos show punches being thrown, and at least one person being knocked into the water. The chaotic scene also involved a man being repeatedly hit with a folding chair and a woman being kicked, punched, and struck with the chair.
Montgomery Police were alerted to the incident around 7 p.m. and promptly responded to the scene. Journalists from CNN affiliate WSFA witnessed individuals being placed in handcuffs. Mayor Reed expressed his disappointment in the incident and urged the community not to become desensitized to violence. He emphasized that those who choose violence will be held accountable by the criminal justice system.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to bring those responsible for the brawl to justice. The incident highlights the racial tensions that still exist in a city with a troubled history of racial animus. The community eagerly awaits further updates on the investigation and hopes for a swift resolution to this unfortunate incident.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-08 14:28:00
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