US biker shoot-out: 192 face charges in Waco, Texas

18-05-2015 14:58

Up to five rival gangs got into a fight, apparently over parking space near the restaurant. Diners and staff at the nearby cafe managed to lock themselves in a freezer room for safety and were later escorted off the premises by armed police.

In addition to announcing the large number of arrests, Waco police department said on Monday they had temporarily closed the Twin Peaks restaurant for at least a week "due to the ongoing danger it presents to our community".

The authorities have increased security in the area to prevent further outbreaks of violence amid fears some of the gang members might return.

Police spokesman Sgt W Patrick Swanton said preliminary findings indicated that a dispute broke out in a bathroom and eventually spilled over into the restaurant car park.

"I was amazed that we didn't have innocent civilians killed or injured," Sgt Swanton said.

"In 34 years of law enforcement, this is the most violent crime scene I have ever been involved in," he added.