Galveston police chief Balli on alleged shooting incident at annual motorcycle event: 'The swift response was a collaborative effort by multiple agencies'

Galveston Police Department is currently investigating an alleged shooting that took place on The Strand during the Lone Star Rally on the night of Nov. 4, according to a Facebook post by the city of Galveston. The incident reportedly happened in the 2100 block of The Strand around 11 p.m., and due to the large law enforcement presence for the annual event, police were able to respond swiftly.

"The swift response was a collaborative effort by multiple agencies including the Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office working with Galveston Police Department officers to rapidly respond to the incident,” said Galveston Chief of Police Doug Balli.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC News reported that authorities arrested and charged 20-year-old Hitchcock resident Peddis Ray with opening fire and injuring six people. An alleged gang member, Ray faces six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to reports from KPRC citing the Galveston Police Department, at the time of Ray's arrest, he was found with the alleged weapon in his possession.

According to a post by the city, among those injured in this incident, one suffered minor injuries and didn't require medical attention. Meanwhile, five other victims were rushed to University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Among these hospitalized victims, one is listed in critical condition while two underwent surgeries. Two others were confined but did not require surgery. All victims are expected to recover fully from their injuries.

The city also stated that Ray has had a $600,000 bond set and is currently being held at Galveston County Jail. Visit Galveston website describes Lone Star Rally as "the largest four-day motorcycle rally on the continent," where approximately 400,000 people and some 150,000 motorcycles converge on Galveston Island annually.