Nine people have died in a gun battle involving rival biker gangs and police in Waco, Texas. Authorities say a dispute over a shopping mall parking space descended into a fight between three different gangs. Police had been stationed at the mall in anticipation of criminal activity and moved in when gunfire began. The resulting shootout left behind a gruesome scene of blood and bodies. Waco Sgt. Patrick Swanton said it was the worst crime scene he has ever seen.

Sgt. Patrick Swanton: “I can confirm that we still have eight dead here on scene. One additional has died at the hospital, for a total of nine. Those numbers may rise. I told you earlier we had at least 16 that were transported to the hospital. Many of those had gunshot wounds and stab wounds. I will tell you that in 34 years of law enforcement this is the worst crime scene, the most violent crime scene, that I have ever been involved in. There are dead people still there. There is blood everywhere.”

All of the dead were bikers, and no officers were hurt.