Alabama riverboat captain Dameion Pickett, initially a victim of an August brawl with unruly boaters, is now facing a third-degree assault charge. The charge comes from a complaint filed by Zachery Shipman, a man charged in the altercation. Montgomery officials clarified that they didn't initiate the charge against Pickett, considering him a victim. The brawl began when white boaters confronted Pickett, who is Black, and another dock worker. It escalated when the boaters refused to move their boat, leading to a larger confrontation.
Pickett, scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 21, had denied that race played a role in the incident. Shipman, accusing Pickett of assault, argued he was preventing involvement. Pickett's family contends he acted in self-defense during the chaotic situation. Two participants in the brawl previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanors.
