Montgomery, Alabama – The boat co-captain at the center of a viral video capturing a wild brawl at a dock in Alabama back in August is now facing a misdemeanor assault charge. The Montgomery Police Department Chief, Darryl Albert, announced on Tuesday that assault charges have been filed against three men involved in the incident – Zachery Shipman, 25, Richard Roberts, 48, and Allen Todd, 23.
According to court records, one of the accused men filed a complaint last month claiming that Dameion Pickett, the riverboat co-captain, had hit 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 brawl had previously led to charges against five other individuals, with two boaters pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault or harassment. Three other people, including a man caught on video swinging a folding chair, have upcoming court dates.
In an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Pickett explained that the Harriott II, the riverboat, was concluding a dinner cruise on August 5 when it encountered difficulties docking at Riverfront Park due to a moored pontoon boat blocking its path. Pickett stated that they could have docked forcibly but would have risked damaging other boats.
Pickett further expressed that he was simply doing his job and was taken aback when he was attacked. A viral video of the incident shows a shirtless man throwing a punch at Pickett, igniting the massive brawl. Despite the chaos, Pickett remained focused on his responsibilities, continuing to communicate with the captain and ensuring the safety of the passengers.
The Montgomery Police Department has been actively investigating the incident, and Chief Albert emphasized that the assault charges against the three men involved demonstrate their commitment to maintaining public safety.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
