Washington:Â Â Nine people were killed and several injured Sunday after a shootout between rival biker gangs in Waco, Texas.
Fighting broke out in a restaurant parking lot between three rival groups, with some members using clubs and knives before pulling guns, according to Sergeant W. Patrick Swanton.
Waco police said on Facebook that no officers were injured in the deadly incident, without immediately providing further details.
The fighting apparently started inside the restaurant, and police were already on scene when the gang members moved to the parking lot in the Central Texas Market shopping complex when shooting broke out.
The fighting escalated from fists and feet to chains and knives before guns were pulled, and several police officers were shot at.
The television station reported that the area was secured by police after the incident.
The Waco Police Department warned residents to stay away from the area, and said several armed people had been arrested at the scene.
“Please avoid the Central Texas Market Place as the area is NOT safe. Officers are continuing to arrest individuals coming to the scene with weapons,” Waco police said on Facebook.
“This is not the time to sight see as we are dealing with very dangerous individuals.”
Waco is located in central Texas and has a population of about 129,000 people.