FAYETTE COUNTY — In a shooting on April 26 during a trail ride at The Pavilion, a private property location on Munke Road near Cozy Corner near La Grange, Alzavier Hall, 24, of Snook, was shot and killed.
The mass gathering on the private venue property and the subsequent exodus of panic-stricken participants hampered deputies from getting to and into the venue.
Fayette County officials are well aware of the tragic situation that occurred on April 25 on private property on Munke Road south of La Grange. The situation was the result of a trail ride and gathering.
The Fayette County judge’s office, the sheriff's office and the county attorney's office are coor dinating efforts to determine what, if any, solutions are available to the county.
“Last August, we approved a ‘mass gathering’ ordinance that strictly follows state law. Any gathering that is expected to have an attendance of 2,500 people or more must apply for a ‘mass gathering’ permit. The event that took place on April 25 on Munke Road did not meet the standards of the State’s description of ‘mass gathering,’ ” said Austin County Judge Dan Mueller.
Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek said, “We are not always made aware of these gatherings until something happens and law enforcement or EMS services are needed.”
EMS Director Josh Vandever stated, “My primary concern is for our first responders to be able to safely and effectively care for our county’s residents and visitors.”
Fayette County Attorney James Herbrich said, “We are actively working with the Texas Associa- tion of Counties to find solutions to these gatherings with large amounts of people, even those that don’t reach the number assessed by the State”.
“County governments have traditionally had a limited amount of regulatory authority, and in the case of mass gatherings, have followed state law,” said EMC Angela Hahn.
Fayette County Lt. David Beyer says the sheriff's office is looking at two persons of interest. No arrests have been made in relation to the shooting pending publication. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.
