Fourth Suspect Charged in Montgomery Riverfront Dock Brawl
A new development has emerged in the aftermath of the Montgomery riverfront dock brawl that occurred on Saturday, as a fourth individual has been charged in connection with the incident. Montgomery police revealed on Thursday that Mary Todd, aged 21, is now facing third-degree assault charges and is currently in custody at Montgomery’s municipal jail.
Previously, three individuals were charged in relation to the altercation. Richard Roberts, 48, is facing two counts of third-degree assault, while Allen Todd, 23, and Zachary Shipman, 25, each face one count of third-degree assault. These three suspects were apprehended earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation.
The brawl initially erupted due to a dispute over a dockside parking spot, with the individuals charged identified as White. A Black co-captain of a riverboat was involved, and the altercation quickly escalated, even leading to the use of a racial slur, according to a witness account. The incident, which was captured on video and has gained national attention, drew attention to the racial history of Montgomery, a city with a significant role in both racial violence and the civil rights movement.
Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert stated that while there is no immediate indication that the brawl was racially motivated, the investigation will continue. If additional evidence emerges suggesting a hate crime, appropriate charges will be added accordingly. The charged individuals are set to be arraigned on September 1, and the ongoing investigation is expected to result in further arrests.
The unfortunate incident occurred when the Harriott II riverboat, carrying 227 passengers, attempted to dock in its designated space, which was occupied by a private boat. The situation escalated as the co-captain of the riverboat, Damien Pickett, attempted to communicate with the boat owners to resolve the issue. The altercation resulted in injuries, and several crew members from the Harriott II came to Pickett’s defense.
Local authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, explored the possibility of filing hate crime charges, but the evidence did not meet the criteria for such charges. However, police remain vigilant and open to amending charges as necessary based on the ongoing investigation.
Given Montgomery’s significant historical context, particularly as a birthplace of the civil rights movement, the police are committed to ensuring a thorough and just resolution. The city has made significant efforts to address its past and promote reconciliation, with institutions like the Equal Justice Initiative and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
As the investigation progresses, it is expected that additional evidence and witness accounts will shed more light on the incident, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded at the riverfront dock in Montgomery.
