Texas Biker Gang Brawl Leaves Nine Dead, 18 Injured

A shooting took place on Sunday between rival motorcycle gangs at a popular Central Texas restaurant which left nine bikers people dead and 18 injured, according to reports.

Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton, a Waco Police Department spokesperson, told CNN that at least three rival gangs met up at the Twin Peaks restaurant. The feud resulted in gunfire and a full-blown battle in the parking lot.

Police initially said three gangs were involved, but later said factions from at least five gangs took part in the brawl.

Police and troopers were in the parking lot trying to secure the area and protect citizens when a fight broke out inside the restaurant and spilled into the parking lot.

Swanton also told the Waco Tribune that they believe that they will recover close to 100 weapons from the scene. Eighteen people were also taken to the hospital, but it is not clear if they were in addition to the nine killed.

"These are very dangerous hostile biker gangs," Swanton said. "A lot of innocent people could have been injured today."

"This is one of the worst gun fights we've ever had in the city limits," Swanton told the paper. "They started shooting at our officers."

Swanton declined to identify the gangs, but many men wearing vests inscribed with the words "Bandidos" or "Cossacks" were seen in the area.