Three Arrested in Downtown Cincinnati 'Violent Attack'

Three Suspects Arrested in Connection with Violent Attack in Downtown Cincinnati

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a violent attack that took place in downtown Cincinnati, which has since gained national attention. The incident, which involved approximately 100 people, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms. According to police and court records, five suspects were initially charged, but three are now under arrest.

Montianez Merriweather, 34, from South Cumminsville, and DeKyra Vernon, 24, from Evanston, were booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon. They face charges of felonious assault and aggravated riot. The third suspect, Jermaine Matthews, 39, from East Price Hill, was also taken into custody early Wednesday morning on similar charges. All three are scheduled for arraignment before Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Michael Peck at 9 a.m.

The FBI has launched a federal investigation into the incident following reports of its severity. Republican Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno announced that he secured the federal investigation, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed gratitude on social media for his efforts in connecting the Department of Justice with the victim.

Details from the Video Evidence

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed that around 100 people were involved in the violent altercation. The attack was recorded and shared widely online, drawing significant public attention. Based on the footage, Merriweather was identified as the individual who punched the victim while others stomped the victim’s head with their feet. Vernon allegedly struck the victim in the face with a closed fist, causing the victim to become unconscious.

The videos show a chaotic scene, beginning with a verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical fight. One clip posted on Facebook shows a man being confronted by a group of individuals outside a business. Despite some attempts to prevent a physical altercation, a punch was thrown, triggering a larger brawl. The video captures one man being taken to the ground and repeatedly attacked by multiple individuals.

In another part of the video, a woman in a dress is seen helping the injured man up. She then tries to block two other men from approaching. However, moments later, a woman in a cheetah print outfit hits her from behind, and a man punches her in the face, knocking her to the ground. The woman appears to be severely injured, with blood visible from her mouth, and remains motionless for several seconds.

Background on the Suspects

Merriweather was out on bond at the time of the incident, according to a Facebook post from the Cincinnati FOP Queen City Lodge No. 69. He had been indicted on July 10 for receiving stolen property, weapons under disability, improper transportation of a firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. A Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge set his bond at $4,000, meaning he only needed to pay $400 to be released.

Matthews, the third suspect, has a criminal history. Court records show he pleaded guilty in 2009 to two counts of cocaine possession and one count of cocaine trafficking. He was sentenced to three years in prison. During his two arrests, police reported that he attempted to swallow a bag of crack cocaine but spit it out after being shocked with a Taser.

Reactions from Local Officials

Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted spoke with some of the victims and mentioned that he called all three of them, though he noted there may have been more. He said the victims do not know why they were attacked and that more information may come to light in the future.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the violence and the motives behind the attack. The case highlights the growing concern over public safety and the need for swift justice in such incidents.