Waco police report receiving 'credible, reliable threats' after deadly melee

Police in Waco, Texas, on Tuesday said they received "credible, reliable threats" to law enforcement following Sunday's biker brawl that left nine people dead.

"We are asking them to stand down," Waco police spokesman Sgt. Patrick Swanton said in a press conference. "We are asking them to let us sort through our investigation."

In addition, Swanton said investigators believe the fight began after a rival motorcycle gang arrived uninvited to a gathering at Waco's Twin Peaks restaurant, triggering a "turf war." Police said Monday a parking space dispute may have sparked the fight, though Swanton said the catalyst may actually have been one biker running over another biker's foot.

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Swanton said the investigation would take considerable time to complete because of its scope — roughly 170 people were arrested, and around 135 motorcycles remain at the crime scene — and because "some of the players in this are not being honest with us." Citing the latter problem, Swanton said police will for now continue withholding the names of the deceased until they are sure they've properly notified next of kin.