By Insane Throttle News July 19, 2026 SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — A chaotic “Bike Night” event at Cadillac Ranch turned violent on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when members of the Diablos Motorcycle Club allegedly initiated a savage group assault on a 44-year-old Harley-Davidson mechanic, culminating in one of their own members being shot in the chest. Police from multiple departments responded to the scene on Jude Lane around 7 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Officers encountered a massive crowd of 200-300 people and over 100 motorcycles in the parking lot of the popular restaurant and banquet hall, which was hosting its monthly charity Bike Night event. Many attendees were wearing vests from various 1%er clubs, including the Diablos and Outlaws. According to a detailed 30-page police report, the violence erupted after a Diablos member confronted the victim — a Griswold motorcycle shop owner — over a seven-year-old dispute. The victim told investigators the man, a former customer dissatisfied with work on his Harley-Davidson, demanded a refund and punched him in the face when refused. The victim’s father attempted to intervene, but multiple Diablos members allegedly joined the fray, turning it into a full-scale beatdown. Witnesses and video evidence captured at least five men in Diablos vests delivering punches, kicks, and strikes with improvised weapons. One attacker reportedly used what appeared to be a “medieval ball and chain” or a weighted sock-like object, striking the victim approximately eight times. Another used “hammer-style” punches and kicks. The victim suffered a broken nose, bruises, and cuts to the head requiring staples. Follow Us on Youtube @insanitymusic and TIK TOK @insanethrottleoutlawrock During the assault, the victim — who holds a valid pistol permit — had his Glock 43X taken from his waistband. The gun discharged, striking a 25-year-old man wearing a Diablos vest in the chest. The shooting victim was standing about 20 feet away and was not directly involved in the beating, according to the report. He was critically injured but survived and was transported to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. The original victim was treated at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury and listed in stable condition. No one has been charged in connection with the shooting itself. Investigators have not determined whether the discharge was intentional or accidental. One Diablos member, Harley Woodbury, 31, of Terryville, reportedly told detectives he grabbed and threw the gun, though accounts vary. The Glock was recovered with one round in the chamber and one in an after-market 10-round magazine. Arrests and Charges Four Diablos members were arrested on felony assault charges after being identified from video footage: James McDermott, 52, of Waterbury Gerard McAfee, 54, of Branford Philip Gugliotti, 55, of Waterbury Harley Woodbury, 31, of Terryville (Plymouth section) Four additional men were charged with interfering with police for allegedly refusing to identify themselves: Kevin Lawlor, 48, of Derby; William Schneiter, 60, of Baltic (Sprague section); Marc Debenigno, 49, of Waterbury; and Zarif Ramadanov, 46, of Bethany. All eight were arraigned Thursday in state Superior Court in New Britain, where bonds were set at $50,000 each. Two of the assault suspects denied any involvement despite video evidence, while others claimed they only joined after their fellow member was shot. Police noted the tense atmosphere, with angry club members surrounding initial responders, prompting a multi-agency “Blue Plan” response from surrounding towns. Southington Lt. Matthew Hammell declined further comment Friday, stating the investigation remains active. Context on the Diablos MC The Diablos Motorcycle Club, long based in Connecticut with roots tracing back decades, has a documented history of involvement in criminal activity, including drug trafficking, firearms, and violent rivalries, according to law enforcement sources. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the 1%er world, where old grudges and club loyalty can escalate quickly at public events. This latest event at Cadillac Ranch adds to a pattern of MC-related incidents making headlines in the region. As authorities continue their probe, questions remain about the exact sequence of events, the role of the firearm, and potential additional charges. Insane Throttle will continue monitoring developments in this case. Bike Night events draw large crowds of enthusiasts, but nights like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks when personal disputes spill into public spaces filled with patched members. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation. What led to A Diablos Motorcycle Club Member being Shot During Brutal Beatdown BIKE NIGHT CHAOS Massive Brawl & Shooting Bike Night event at Cadillac Ranch Restaurant turned violent Iron Order MC Exposed What A Bunch of Clowns Hells Angels Causing Panic