On 08/01/2015 at about 10PM, officers responded to the 500 block of West South Street after receiving multiple calls of a fight in progress involving a baseball bat. Upon officers' arrival, the fight had ended but numerous people were milling around the parking lot in an agitated state. Officers restored order and began to investigate, determining that six people were directly involved. Four were still on-scene and two others were detained nearby.
Officers learned that the fight started when the manager of a nearby business observed four patrons take a pack of cigarettes he had left on top of a picnic table outside. The manager, identified as Ali Gohar Lal (10/15/1987), said he confronted the group, who returned the cigarettes, then went back inside to retrieve a baseball bat he kept inside the business for self defense. Lal said he had swung the bat but did not believe he hit anyone. Lal claimed self-defense after he and an employee had been assaulted.
One of the four patrons claimed to have been struck in the forearm by the bat after backing away and falling down, and was observed to have an injury consistent with that claim. Also, a witness who refused to be identified supported this version of the story.
An employee of the business claimed to have been punched in the face by one of the patrons and was referred to a District Court Commissioner for charges.
One of the four patrons who was detained nearby was found with a minor leg injury he received while fleeing from the scene. EMS responded to offer medical assistance to all injured parties.
Lal was arrested and taken to the FCADC, where he was charged with first and second degree assault.
Released by: SGT Corbett
Arresting officer: OFC Palkovic
CR#: 15-062402
Charged: Ali Gohar Lal, 10/15/1987, 400 block Megan Ct, Frederick MD
For More Information: PIO A/CAPT Pennington, 301-600-3935