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Montgomery Riverfront Updates: Reggie Ray Posts Bond After Arrest, MPD Issues Name Corrections For Suspects & Victim

Editor’s Note: The Montgomery Police Department has an ongoing investigation into the Aug. 5 Montgomery Riverfront assault of Dameion Pickett, 43, and a 16-year-old male. This article will be updated as new information is made public.

Reggie Ray Posts Bond, MPD Issues Name Corrections

Reggie Ray, 42, turned himself in to MPD on Friday (Aug. 11), according to the department’s public information officer. Officials charged him with one count of disorderly conduct–a misdemeanor. He was temporarily housed in the municipal jail but reportedly posted bond on Friday evening.

Montgomery Police Department also issued multiple name corrections on Friday. In an email, PIO Major S. Coleman corrected the spelling of suspects and one victim.

Despite MPD and outlets naming the chair wielder Reggie Gray, MPD clarified his name is Reggie Ray. Shipman, who was originally reported as Zachery, is actually named Zachery Shipman.

The name of the co-captain in the case was also updated. Rather than Damien, his name is actually spelled asDameion Pickett.

Editor’s Note: The Shade Room has updated all previous articles to reflect these MPD corrections.

Aug 11: Three Boaters Post Bond, One Woman Charged With Third-Degree Assault

On Thursday (Aug.10), Montgomery assault suspects Richard Roberts, Zachery Shipman, and Allen Todd posted bond, The Shade Room confirmed with the local police department. Officials released the pontoon boaters from last weekend’s viral assault turned street brawl from the municipal jail.

All three men are charged with third-degree assault against Hariott II Riverboat’s co-captain, Damien Pickett. Roberts has an additional third-degree assault related to the 16-year-old juvenile.

RELATED:Three Boaters In Montgomery Riverfront Fight Charged With Assault, Police Asking ‘Folding Chair’ Man To Contact Them

Also Thursday, Mary Toddsurrendered to the police on third-degree assault charges in relation to Damien Pickett. MPD housed her in the municipal jail, Montgomery Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Major S. Coleman told The Shade Room in an email.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Mary Todd, Allen Todd, Zachery Shipman, Richard Roberts

Police Schedule Interview With ‘Chair Wielder’ Reggie Ray

MPD’s PIO also told The Shade Room they expect to interview Reggie Ray on Aug. 11. Coleman did not specify a time for the meeting. As of now, MPD has not revealed any charges.

But that could change after today’s meeting. Circulating videos have shown Ray using a white folding chair to hit a white man above the head, then proceeding to do the same to a white woman.

 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates regarding suspects, victims, and charges.

To learn more about how the Montgomery Riverfront incident began, click the related link below.

RELATED:Montgomery Mayor Reacts To Viral Riverfront Fight Amid Ongoing Police Investigation
Cassandra Santiago

Cassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media. She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023. Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.

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