Alabama Brawl Update: 'Chair Guy' Turns Self In, Becomes 5th Person Charged in Montgomery Dock Brawl

After inspiring memes and becoming somewhat of an internet icon, Reggie Ray, 42, better known as the "Chair Guy," turned himself to Montgomery Police following the infamous Alabama brawl.

According to NBC News, the "chair guy" was charged with disorderly conduct. He infamously hit one of the brawlers during the Alabama brawl with a folding chair, becoming not just an internet meme, but also inspiring somewhat of a civil rights symbol in the weapon that he used.

The Alabama brawl began when a black dock worker tried to tell a group of rowdy boaters to move their pontoon boat so that the riverboat that was supposed to use the dock can arrive. The rowdy boaters refused and attacked the dock worker. Soon, several people arrived to help the dock worker as they fended off the attackers. One of the people who came to the rescue was Ray, the "chair guy."

Before he turned himself over to Montgomery Police, the fourth person charged in the Alabama brawl, Mary Todd, 21, also turned herself over and was housed at the city's municipal jail. She was charged with assault in the third degree.

Civil Rights Attorney Representing the 'Chair Guy'

Ray turned himself in last Friday afternoon and was subsequently released from the Montgomery Municipal Jail that same day as his charge was only a misdemeanor. However, he is being represented by prominent civil rights attorney, Lee Meritt.

"Mr. Ray was involuntarily roped into the disorderly conduct initiated by a violent white mob. Mr. Ray will continue to participate with the ongoing investigation concerning the same and is committed to being forthcoming about his limited role in the brawl," said the lawyer.

In addition to Mary Todd and Reggie Ray, the other suspects that have been charged include 23-year-old Allen Todd, 25-year-old Zachary Shipman, and 48-year-old Richard Roberts. Ray is currently the only suspect who has not been charged with at least one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault. However, Montgomery police admitted that more suspects and charges are possible, according to WSFA 12.

Right now, the Montgomery Police Department is conducting a "frame-by-frame analysis of the videos of the brawls and extensive interviews with witnesses and the victim [riverboat co-captain Dameion Pickett]."

Investigators Looking Into Possible Hate Crime in Fight That Started the Alabama Brawl

The incident brought national attention to the city of Montgomery, which is largely broken down racial lines and is known to have a fraught history of racial violence and a proud place in the civil rights movement. A group of white men ganging up and attacking a lone black man in a city like Montgomery has certainly raised eyebrows.

According to CNN, investigators are now looking into whether the attackers may be charged with a hate crime or inciting a riot. Police are gathering evidence on whether this really is the case, but it was noted that the actions of the four boaters did not meet the criteria

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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