Video shows moments shots fired during Galveston’s annual Lone Star Bike Rally, suspect Peddis Ray arrested

GALVESTON, TX (NOV. 5, 2023) – Galveston police responded to reports of shots fired in the 2100 block of The Strand during the Lone Star Rally, Saturday night at approximately 11:00 p.m.

Due to a large presence of law enforcement officers already in the area for the rally, police were able to quickly secure the scene.

“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 Police Chief, Doug Balli.

On scene, six people were found to have been wounded by the gunfire. One of the victims sustained minor injuries and did not seek medical treatment. Five were transported to the trauma center at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

All victims transported to UTMB currently remain hospitalized. One is in critical condition, two required surgery and are expected to make full recoveries, two others did not require surgery and are also expected to fully recover.

A four-block section of The Strand was closed while police investigated the incident. This resulted in numerous motorcycle owners being unable to move their motorcycles from the area until the investigation was complete.

Police detained a person of interest, 20-year-old Peddis Ray of Hitchcock at the scene. At the time he was apprehended, Ray was in possession of a firearm, and has since been charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Each count carries a bond of $100,000 with a total bond of $600,000. Ray is currently booked into the Galveston County Jail.

“Unfortunately, we believe this incident is related to ongoing gun related violence in Galveston County, and nothing has shown it is related to the rally itself,” said Balli. “The suspect claims to be a member of a local gang and we believe the investigation will show the suspect was targeting rival gang members.”

As per its official website, the Lone Star Rally stands as the largest rally of the year in Texas. This annual four-day bike rally encompasses live music, bike exhibitions, competitions, rides, vendor stalls, and tributes to the military.

The event took place from Thursday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 5th on Galveston Island.

An estimated crowd of over 400,000 was anticipated to be present for the 2023 rally over the weekend.