Riverboat Brawl: Co-Captain Faces Assault Charge as Chaos Erupts
Montgomery, Alabama – A riverboat brawl that went viral back in August has taken a new turn as the co-captain of the boat now faces a misdemeanor assault charge. The Montgomery Police Department announced on Tuesday that assault charges have been filed against three men involved in the incident. Zachery Shipman, Richard Roberts, and Allen Todd are the individuals facing these charges.
Court records reveal that one of the accused men filed a complaint last month, alleging that Dameion Pickett, the riverboat co-captain, struck him first during the chaotic melee. The complaint was filed on October 26, and the man is scheduled to stand trial for misdemeanor assault on November 16. Pickett, on the other hand, is set to be arraigned on November 21.
This isn’t the first time charges have been brought against individuals involved in the brawl. Five others previously faced charges, with two boaters pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault or harassment. Additionally, three others, including a man captured on video swinging a folding chair, have upcoming court dates.
In a recent interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Pickett explained the events leading up to the brawl. On August 5, as the Harriott II riverboat was concluding a dinner cruise, it encountered difficulties docking at Riverfront Park due to a moored pontoon boat blocking its path. Pickett stated that forcefully docking would have risked damaging other boats, so they refrained from doing so.
Pickett expressed his surprise at being attacked, emphasizing that he was simply doing his job. A video of the incident went viral, showing a shirtless man throwing a punch at Pickett, which then sparked the massive brawl. Despite the chaos, Pickett remained focused on his responsibilities, maintaining communication with the captain and ensuring the safety of the passengers.
The Montgomery Police Department has been actively investigating the incident. Chief Albert emphasized their commitment to public safety by filing assault charges against the three men involved. Their actions demonstrate that they take such incidents seriously and aim to maintain order and security.
As this case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the legal proceedings play out and whether additional individuals will face consequences for their involvement in the brawl. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining peace and civility, even in challenging situations, and serves as a reminder that resorting to violence is never the solution.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
