SOUTHINGTON, CONNECTICUT — A weekly Bike Night event at Cadillac Ranch in Southington turned chaotic Wednesday evening after a fight escalated into a shooting, leaving one man in critical condition, another injured, and eight people facing criminal charges as police continue to investigate.
The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Cadillac Ranch, a popular restaurant, bar, and event venue located along Jude Lane near Interstate 84. The venue was hosting its regularly scheduled Bike Night, a recurring event that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and typically attracts large crowds of motorcycle enthusiasts.
According to the Southington Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting and encountered what officials described as a heavily congested scene involving hundreds of attendees inside the establishment and throughout the parking lot.
Police located a 25-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities said the victim is expected to recover from the injuries.
Officers also found a 44-year-old man who investigators believe was assaulted during the disturbance. He was transported to the hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Fight Escalated Before Gunfire
Investigators said preliminary evidence indicates the violence began with a physical altercation in the parking lot before escalating into gunfire.
According to police, the fight continued even after the shooting occurred and did not fully subside until responding officers arrived on scene.
Due to the size of the crowd and the rapidly evolving incident, Southington police activated Connecticut’s regional “Blue Plan,” a coordinated mutual aid response that brings together neighboring law enforcement agencies during major public safety incidents.
Police from Bristol, Plainville, Farmington, New Britain, Berlin, and the Connecticut State Police responded to assist officers in securing the area and managing the large crowd.
Authorities also recovered a firearm from the scene.
At this time, investigators have not publicly announced whether the individual believed responsible for firing the weapon has been arrested.
Four Men Charged With Felony Assault
Police announced that four men have been charged with second-degree assault, a felony, in connection with the alleged assault of the 44-year-old victim.
Those charged include:
- James McDermott, 52, of Waterbury
- Gerard McAfee, 54, of Branford
- Philip Gugliotti, 55, of Waterbury
- Harley Woodbury, 31, of Terryville
The four suspects will appear in New Britain Superior Court.
Prosecutors requested that each defendant be held on a $150,000 bond, citing what Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Eamon Donovan described as serious public safety concerns surrounding the incident.
A judge instead set bond at $50,000 cash or surety for each defendant.
As conditions of release, the court ordered the men to have no contact with the alleged victims and to stay away from Cadillac Ranch while the criminal proceedings remain pending.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Four Others Arrested
Police also arrested four additional individuals on charges of interfering with an officer during the response.
Those arrested include:
- Kevin Lawlor, 48, of Derby
- William Schneiter, 60, of Baltic
- Marc Debenigno, 49, of Waterbury
- Zarif Ramadanov, 46, of Bethany
Authorities said those individuals were processed at the Bristol Police Department, released on bond, and are scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on July 29.
Motorcycle Clubs Present
Investigators said Bike Night routinely attracts riders from across Connecticut and neighboring states.
Police noted that officers encountered members of several motorcycle clubs during Wednesday’s incident.
Television footage from the scene showed at least one attendee wearing a vest identifying membership with the “Ruthless 4 Life Connecticut MC.” Previous Connecticut State Police publications have referred to the organization as a motorcycle gang.
Additional attendees reportedly wore insignia associated with the 1% Diablos Motorcycle Club.
Authorities have not alleged that any motorcycle club as an organization was responsible for the violence, and investigators have not announced whether club affiliations played any role in the shooting.
Large Emergency Response
Images from the scene showed numerous emergency vehicles surrounding Cadillac Ranch while portions of the parking lot were secured with crime scene tape.
Some motorcycles remained in the parking lot into Thursday morning as investigators processed evidence.
Video from local television stations also showed crowds gathered outside the business after the shooting.
Presence News Received Early Correspondence
Presence News received five separate direct correspondences from attendees & regulars at the venue regarding the incident beginning at approximately 7:55 p.m. Eastern Time, shortly after reports of the shooting emerged. The messages indicated a significant law enforcement response was underway at the venue as the situation continued to develop.
As with all developing incidents, Presence News independently verified publicly available information through official statements and multiple news reports before publication.
Investigation Continues
The Southington Police Department said the investigation remains active.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the altercation or has photographs, cellphone video, or other information related to the incident to contact detectives at 860-378-1642 or 860-378-1646. Anonymous information may also be submitted.
Police have not released the identity of the shooting victim, identified a suspected shooter, or announced any firearm-related criminal charges as of publication.
Additional information is expected as investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
This remains an active investigation. Presence News will update this story if additional arrests are announced or new information is released by law enforcement.
Sources: Southington Police Department (as reported by NBC Connecticut), Stamford Advocate, NBC Connecticut. Watebury Citizen News for video link is here.