Man ‘critical,’ 8 people arrested after shooting at Cadillac Ranch biker night in Southington
By Christine Dempsey, Peter Yankowski, Bruno Matarazzo Jr., Staff WritersJuly 16, 2026 .
https://www.ctinsider.com/recordjournal/article/southington-cadillac-ranch-shooting-biker-night-22347416.php
SOUTHINGTON — A man remains in critical condition after a shooting Wednesday evening at the Cadillac Ranch restaurant in Southington, and eight people also were arrested, police say.
A 44-year-old man also was injured, police Lt. Matthew Hammell said Thursday; both he and the 25-year-old who was shot are expected to survive.
Police recovered a gun from the scene, Hammell said.
A preliminary investigation shows the shooting happened after a fight broke out in the parking lot, he said, and “the altercation continued until officers arrived.”
Police were called to the business, which also is a banquet hall and bar, around 7 p.m. on a report of a shooting and found a man with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was taken to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Hammell said. Officers also found the second injured man, he said; he, too, was hospitalized and is listed in stable condition.
“Officers arrived to find a very congested crowd throughout the parking lot and inside the establishment, consisting of motorcycle enthusiasts as well as members of several motorcycle clubs,” Hammell said. “Investigators determined that four individuals acted together in assaulting a 44-year-old male during the incident,” he said.
The venue was hosting a charity bike night at the time of the shooting, according to an event listing on its website. Hammell said the “Bike Night” is a regular event at Cadillac Ranch, which sits next to Interstate 84. The events benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, according to the restaurant’s website; Yankee Harley-Davidson is listed as a sponsor.
Southington police said they activated their “Blue Plan,” which is a coordinated law enforcement response by nearby agencies, because of the number of people involved.
Four people are charged with second-degree assault, a felony: James McDermott, 52, of Waterbury; Gerard McAfee, 54, of Branford; Philip Gugliotti, 55, of Waterbury; and Harley Woodbury, 31, of the Terryville section of Plymouth.
The four were arraigned Thursday at state Superior Court in New Britain and a judge set their bonds at $50,000 cash or surety each.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Eamon Donovan asked that their bonds be set at $150,000 due to “serious safety concerns.”
“These are disturbing allegations,” Donovan said.
Each was told not to have any contact with the alleged victims and to stay away from the Cadillac Ranch.
Four others were charged with a less-serious crime, interfering with an officer. They are: Kevin Lawlor, 48, of Derby; William Schneiter, 60, of the Baltic section of Sprague; Marc Debenigno, 49, of Waterbury; and Zarif Ramadanov, 46, of Bethany.
Each was taken to the Bristol Police Department, where officers confirmed their names and released them on bonds. They are due in court July 29.
It’s not clear whether police arrested the person they believe shot the 25-year-old.
The street outside Cadillac Ranch was clogged with emergency vehicles after the shooting, and crowds of people had gathered in the bar’s large parking lot, part of which was cordoned off with crime scene tape, WFSB video shows.
At least one person at the scene wore a vest that read, “Ruthless 4 Life Connecticut MC,” which, in 2022, state police referred to as a motorcycle gang. Meanwhile, two of the four men charged with interfering wore vests that indicated they are members of the Diablos Motorcycle Club.
Some motorcycles remained at the scene early Thursday, and red Solo cups littered the lot, the station reported.
Connecticut State Police were among agencies at the scene, and are assisting with the investigation, Southington police said. Local police said they would like to thank the troopers and police from Bristol, Plainville, Farmington, New Britain, and Berlin “for their rapid response and assistance in providing mutual aid during this incident.” Hammell said. “Their professionalism and support were instrumental in helping officers quickly secure the scene and safely manage a large and dynamic incident.”
The investigation remains active, he said.
Anyone who witnessed the fight, has video footage, or information that may help investigators is asked to call a detective at 860-378-1642 or 860-378 1646. Those wishing to remain anonymous may do so.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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