A weekend gathering in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside turned violent around 9 p.m. last Saturday when five people were slashed during what authorities describe as a large, gang-linked crowd at New York Avenue and Bessie Street. Three women and two men were injured before officers broke up the scene and arrested a 31-year-old woman in connection with the attack, police said.
Officers were already monitoring the street gathering when the violence started, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Along with reports of slashings, police also received reports of shots being fired and a blocked roadway. The victims included three women, ages 32, 25, and 21, and two men who suffered slash wounds. Officers found two victims at the intersection, while three others left in private vehicles for hospital treatment as the crowd was pushed out.
Charges And Legal Next Steps
Authorities say 31-year-old Chelse Bracken has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, aggravated assault covers causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during an assault and can be prosecuted as a felony depending on the circumstances. The case will move through the Tarrant County court system as prosecutors decide how to proceed.
Historic Southside On Edge
The slashing erupted in the Historic Southside, an area that has been drawing attention for redevelopment and cultural projects rather than crime scenes. The neighborhood is the focus of a planned $63 million urban-village redevelopment and other investments aimed at boosting growth along corridors near New York Avenue. Residents and community leaders have noted that violent incidents undercut efforts to attract new businesses and events, as KERA News has reported.
Ongoing Investigation And Tips
Fort Worth police say the investigation remains active and they have not provided further updates on the victims’ conditions. Anyone with information or video from the scene is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online at 469tips.com. Court filings and hearing dates for the charged suspect will be posted through the Tarrant County District Clerk.
