The Montgomery Riverfront Brawl, which gained widespread attention after a video of the incident went viral, has taken a new turn as one of the individuals involved in the altercation has managed to avoid jail time.
Reggie Bernard Ray, who allegedly used a folding chair as a weapon during the fight, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Instead of incarceration, he received a 90-day suspended jail sentence, along with community service and court costs.
On August 5, a heated confrontation unfolded at the Montgomery Riverfront when a group of white boaters clashed with Dameion Pickett, the co-captain of a riverboat. Pickett had requested the boaters to move their pontoon boat to allow the riverboat to dock. The situation quickly escalated into a brawl, leading to the arrest and charging of six individuals, including Reggie Bernard Ray.
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In the viral video that captured the chaos, Reggie Bernard Ray can be seen wielding a folded chair and striking one of the white boaters with it. This act of aggression landed him in legal trouble and made him one of the six individuals facing charges in connection with the incident.
Montgomery Municipal Judge Milton Westry presided over Ray’s case and ultimately delivered a verdict that spared him from jail time. Instead, Ray received a 90-day suspended jail sentence, meaning he will not serve time behind bars unless he violates the terms of his probation. Additionally, he has been ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and pay $357 in court costs.
The sentence handed down by Judge Westry emphasizes the importance of community service as a means of rehabilitation and personal growth. By requiring Ray to dedicate his time to serving the community, the court aims to encourage him to reflect upon his actions and make amends for the harm caused during the Riverfront Brawl.
While many may argue who was in the right, This incident is a clear reminder of the potential consequences of resorting to violence in resolving conflicts.
This latest update in the case comes on the heels of the news of Zachary Shipman and Alan Todd who both appeared in Montgomery Municipal Court last week and also pleaded guilty to a lower charge of harassment.