It’s not everyday that a “true biker shootout” happens, but according to police and eyewitness accounts, a “simmering feud” between rival biker gangs reached the boiling point at Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill in Waco Texas on Sunday afternoon.
Twin Peaks — a so-called “breastaurant” where “eats and drinks” are all “served by friendly and attentive Twin Peaks Girls, offering their signature ‘Girl Next Door’ charisma and playful personalities to ensure that your adventure happens at the Peaks” — erupted into chaos after a dispute which Reuters reports [4] “may have been over a parking lot” spilled from a bathroom, to the restaraunt, and then into the parking lot, where five rival biker gangs “attacked each other with guns, knives, brass knuckles, clubs and motorcycle chains.”
Police soon joined the shootout and when all was said and done, 9 people were dead and 18 were hospitalized (presumably all bikers) while 192 were arrested. Authorities say they adopted the standard 'deadly biker shootout rules of engagement' by only firing once fired upon:
"Yesterday's events was bad guys on bad guys. When our officers arrived, those bad guys turned their guns on our officers.” Waco Police Sergeant Patrick Swanton said.
Unfortunately for local patrons who enjoy having their “eats” and “drinks” served by “playful girls next door,” the Waco Twin Peaks location was shut down by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission due to … well, due to the threat that high noon biker shootouts pose to the public.
Police also say the franchise operator was notified ahead of time that “there might be trouble,” and as Reuters notes, there’s some concern that the various gangs may circle back to exact some measure of revenge:
Some area businesses closed early Sunday after police warned people to stay away from the area. Swanton said police had received intelligence that other gang members might be coming to the area for “payback.”
The investigation continues after nine people were killed and multiple others were injured in a shooting at Twin Peaks on Sunday. Shortly after noon, Waco police were at Twin Peaks monitoring at least two motorcycle clubs gathering there. The two groups had reportedly planned to meet in the safety of a public place to mediate a previous fight between two members of the rival gangs. The conflict began with an argument inside the restaurant, which then escalated and moved into the parking lot. Multiple weapons were involved in the conflict, including chains, knives, bats, clubs, and firearms. A total of eight people were shot and killed at the scene and another died at the hospital. Eighteen people were transferred to local hospitals with gunshot and stab wounds. Two of them were transported to other hospitals due to the severity of their injuries. Police said Monday they are still working to process the crime scene, which is littered with bullets, blood and other evidence.
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