A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal mob attack that took place early Saturday morning near the LoVe nightclub in downtown Cincinnati, leaving two white victims seriously injured, as reported by Fox News.
The incident, which was caught on video and widely shared online, sparked public outrage and prompted a federal response.
Jermaine Matthews has been charged with aggravated riot and assault. Police allege that Matthews was caught on video chasing one of the victims into the street, kicking him multiple times after he fell.
Detectives told the court Matthews appeared “visibly, just, enraged,” and then turned his attention to another individual.
The arrest follows the earlier apprehensions of Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24. All three have been charged in connection to the incident. Merriweather is being held on a $500,000 bond, Matthews on $100,000, and Vernon on $200,000.
During court proceedings, detectives stated that Matthews and Merriweather appeared to act in coordination during the attack.
Merriweather has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions and charges for aggravated robbery, domestic violence, weapons offenses, and felonious assault. Matthews also has three prior felony convictions, all drug-related.
Although Vernon has no violent criminal history, prosecutors argued that surveillance footage shows her stepping in during the brawl and punching a woman who was attempting to assist one of the injured victims.
Detectives told the court that the female victim has returned to the hospital twice and suffered significant harm.
The FBI confirmed to Fox News Digital that it is assisting Cincinnati Police in the ongoing investigation. “The FBI has been and will continue closely coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department on this matter,” the agency said.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge stated during a Wednesday press conference that more arrests are forthcoming.
“Our Investigative Team and Fugitive Apprehension Unit are working tirelessly and will not stop until every individual involved in this attack is identified and arrested,” she said.
Chief Theetge also expressed concern that only one 911 call was made during the assault, despite nearly 100 people being present. “That is unacceptable,” she said.
The attack drew national attention after Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy spoke with Holly, the woman knocked unconscious in the video.
“She’s a single working mom who went to a friend’s birthday party,” Ramaswamy said. “It’s unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night.”
Cory Bowman, candidate for Cincinnati mayor and half-brother of Vice President J.D. Vance, also criticized city leadership. “People don’t even see the sense in calling 911 anymore,” Bowman told Fox News Digital.
Cincinnati police say the investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected.
