Title: Hitchcock Man Arrested After Multiple People Shot at Lone Star Rally
Introduction:
A man from Hitchcock, Texas, has been apprehended and charged following a shooting incident that occurred at the Lone Star Rally in Galveston. The suspect, identified as Peddis Ray, was found with a firearm when taken into custody. Police believe Ray, who claimed to be a gang member, targeted his rivals during the event.
Details:
The Galveston Police were alerted to the shooting just before 11 p.m. at the 2100 block of The Strand, a historic district in Galveston. Upon their arrival, officers discovered six people with gunshot wounds, five of whom were later transported to the hospital for treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Witnesses described the chaotic scene that unfolded after the shooting. Joe Flores, a nearby business owner, recounted seeing people running and the police urging them to retreat. Paul, an attendee of the rally, revealed he heard the gunshots and feared for his family’s safety. Sonia Villarreal, a concerned parent, expressed her panic when she couldn’t contact her teenagers, but eventually found them and embraced them in relief.
Charges and Bond:
Peddis Ray has been charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held in Galveston County Jail with a bond set at $600,000.
Police Statement:
Chief Doug Balli addressed the incident, stating that violence of this nature has never occurred at the Lone Star Rally before. He reassured the public that it is an isolated incident and expressed hope that it will never happen again. Chief Balli revealed that the suspect claimed to be a member of a local gang, and the investigation will focus on the belief that rival gang members were the intended targets.
Impact on the Rally:
As a result of the shooting, a four-block section of The Strand, spanning from 21st to 23rd Streets, was closed for several hours. Motorcyclists participating in the rally were unable to retrieve their bikes and belongings until after 4 a.m. on Sunday.
About the Lone Star Rally:
The Lone Star Rally, considered the largest four-day motorcycle rally in North America, attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the island of Galveston.
Conclusion:
The Lone Star Rally in Galveston was marred by a shooting incident, leading to the arrest of a Hitchcock man. With multiple victims injured, police believe the suspect targeted rival gang members. Law enforcement officials assured the public that such violence has not occurred at the rally before and expressed hope that it remains an isolated incident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.