Dameion Pickett, a co-captain of a riverboat in Montgomery, Alabama, has been charged with third-degree assault in connection with a viral brawl that took place at a boat dock over the summer. The altercation occurred between Pickett, who is Black, and white private boaters who were blocking the riverboat’s path as it attempted to dock. Multiple individuals were previously charged for their involvement in the incident.
According to Montgomery Municipal Court records obtained by multiple outlets, Pickett was charged with assault, and the complaint was filed by Zachary Shipman, who also faces a third-degree assault charge. The new charges were filed on October 26 but were not publicly announced by Montgomery officials.
The viral video of the incident showed a small private pontoon boat blocking the Harriott II riverboat, which was trying to reach a disembarkment ramp. Pickett untied the boat, leading to a verbal and physical altercation between him and the private boat owners. The altercation involved an individual hitting a woman over the head with a folding chair. Several members of the Harriott II attempted to intervene.
Jim Kittrell, the captain of the Harriott II, stated that he had repeatedly asked the pontoon boat owners to move their boat, but they responded by displaying offensive gestures. Kittrell eventually called the police.
In addition to Pickett and Shipman, four others were charged for their involvement in the incident. Richard Roberts, one of the men on the pontoon boat, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges and apologized to Pickett. Mary Todd was charged with harassment, while Allen Todd faces a third-degree assault charge. Reggie Ray, the individual seen using a folding chair as a weapon, was charged with disorderly conduct.
Dameion Pickett is scheduled to be arraigned on November 21.
