Charges dismissed against Alabama riverboat co-captain

Dameion Pickett, the Alabama riverboat co-captain who was attacked when white boaters refused to move their pontoon boat, will no longer face charges in connection to the brawl, reports WVUA 23 TV Station.

Charges dismissed against Dameion Pickett

Last Thursday, a Montgomery County judge officially dismissed an assault charge filed by one of the white boaters against Pickett. The Montgomery Police Department said the co-captain was a victim in the assaults.

Montgomery Riverfront melee

The August riverfront brawl in Montgomery drew national attention after a bystander’s footage went viral showing the white boaters hitting the Harriott II riverboat co-captain followed by crew members and bystanders rushing to his defense.

Montgomery police said the brawl began when the white boaters refused to move their pontoon boat so the Harriott II riverboat could dock in its designated space. The boat’s co-captain said he was attacked after moving the pontoon boat a few feet to make room for the riverboat.

Boaters sentenced

In the last of the criminal cases, Zachary Shipman and Alan Todd pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment charges as part of a plea deal. The men were ordered to complete an anger management class and perform community service. They will not serve any jail time unless they violate probation terms.

One white previously pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to serve 32 days in jail. Another white boater pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment. A Black man, who was filmed swinging a folding chair during the brawl, is charged with disorderly conduct and will go to court this week.