Cincinnati’s top cop vowed Friday to release footage of the viral brawl that left a woman knocked out cold — and the nation reeling — saying the forthcoming footage “tells a little more of the story.”
Authorities could reveal more video, including from body-worn police cameras, by next week, Police Chief Teresa Theetge said at a press conference — as a city faith leader alleged that a white man helped fuel the wild street violence during a press conference Wednesday.
The wild weekend fight went viral — and quickly became racially charged — earlier this week when footage showed black suspects beating two white victims.
But Pastor Damon Lynch said from footage he’s seen, a black man and white man were squaring off before cooler heads prevailed. He then claimed the white man reengaged and slapped a different black man.
“So after that, he was met with disproportionate force,” the faith leader claimed while calling out national politicians for “politicizing” the incident.
Theetge said the department is holding the additional footage as it might jeopardize the ongoing probe.
Six suspects have been charged so far in connection to the disturbing street violence, with two men and one woman under arrest, according to authorities. The three other suspects are on the lam and will not be identified until they are in custody.
Police have said Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Jermaine Matthews, 39, allegedly ambushed a male victim, while Dekyra Vernon later allegedly sucker-punched a Russian tourist, knocking her out.
Matthews is facing aggravated riot and numerous assault charges, while Merriweather and Vernon were slapped with assault and aggravated assault raps.
The woman who was knocked suffered horrific bruises, including a black eye and bloody lip, according to photos released by US Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) this week.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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