Third suspect arrested in Cincinnati street brawl that sparked viral outrage

Written: July 30, 2025, 18:00 EST

A third individual has been arrested in connection with a violent street assault in downtown Cincinnati, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to three. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, showed two individuals being attacked by a crowd, prompting widespread condemnation and a multi-agency investigation.

Suspect Jermaine Matthews charged with assault and riot

Cincinnati police confirmed that Jermaine Matthews was taken into custody and charged with aggravated riot and assault. Matthews joins two other suspects — 34-year-old Montianez Merriweather and 24-year-old Dekyra Vernon — who were arrested earlier this week on similar charges.

Court records show that Matthews was booked overnight and is being held on a $100,000 bond. Merriweather and Vernon were held on bonds of $500,000 and $200,000, respectively. During Matthews’ court appearance, prosecutors presented footage allegedly showing him chasing a victim into the street and kicking the individual repeatedly after they fell.

Prosecutors described Matthews as appearing “visibly enraged” after the attack and claimed he attempted to hit another person shortly after. In one video clip, prosecutors noted that Matthews may have been initially struck in the face, which could have escalated the situation.

According to court records, Matthews has three prior felony convictions, all involving drug-related offenses.

Prosecutors describe violent conduct in court

In addition to Matthews, prosecutors focused on the role of Dekyra Vernon, who they said was also caught on video actively participating in the violence. Though Vernon reportedly has no prior criminal record aside from traffic violations and an outstanding traffic-related warrant, prosecutors argued for a significant bond.

A still image presented in court allegedly shows Vernon watching the fight unfold from the sidewalk. In the same video, prosecutors claim Vernon punched a woman who was attempting to assist one of the victims. That victim reportedly required multiple hospital visits due to injuries sustained in the incident.

Vernon’s defense attorney argued that she was in a “very different situation” than her co-defendants, emphasizing her clean record and lack of prior violent behavior.

Incident occurred near downtown nightlife hotspot

The assault took place early Saturday morning near LoVe, a well-known nightclub in Cincinnati, and a nearby late-night eatery. Footage of the incident shows a man and a woman being attacked by multiple individuals. The woman was knocked unconscious in what appeared to be a surprise punch.

According to Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge, five individuals have been formally charged so far. During a press conference on Monday, Theetge expressed concern over the public’s lack of response, noting that despite a crowd of roughly 100 people witnessing or engaging in the altercation, only one person called 911.

“That is unacceptable,” she said. “People saw this happening in front of traffic and still did not report it. We rely on community engagement to respond effectively to these events.”

FBI joins investigation alongside local police

The FBI confirmed to Fox News Digital that it is assisting with the investigation and working closely with the Cincinnati Police Department.

In a statement, an FBI spokesperson said:

“The FBI has been and will continue closely coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department on this matter.”

The federal agency’s involvement reflects the severity of the assault and the potential for broader legal implications as authorities review whether the attack involved hate crimes or other federal offenses.

Victim receives public support, criticism of local response grows

The woman knocked unconscious in the video, identified only as Holly, has since become the face of public concern over the assault. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy spoke with Holly on Monday and criticized what he described as a lack of local law enforcement presence during the attack.

“She’s a single working mom who went to a friend’s birthday party,” Ramaswamy said in a statement. “It’s unconscionable that no police or ambulance were present on a busy Friday night.”

He also criticized what he sees as inadequate leadership in urban areas, saying, “Hard-working Americans shouldn’t have to worry for their safety while enjoying a night out.”

Ramaswamy’s remarks sparked a broader debate about crime and policing in urban centers, particularly in cities like Cincinnati where local resources may be stretched thin.

Cincinnati mayoral candidate voices concern

Cory Bowman, a mayoral candidate and half-brother of Ohio Senator JD Vance, also spoke out following the attack. He expressed frustration at what he sees as a growing public disillusionment with law enforcement.

“People don’t even see the sense in calling 911 anymore,” Bowman told Fox News Digital. He criticized the city’s leadership for allowing crime to escalate to such a public and violent degree.

The remarks reflect increasing political pressure on city officials to address public safety concerns and rebuild trust in emergency response systems.

Public reaction highlights broader safety concerns

The viral nature of the video has prompted both outrage and deep concern among residents and online viewers. Many have called for stricter enforcement and improved street patrols in entertainment districts known for late-night activity.

The Cincinnati Police Department has urged anyone with additional video or information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.

So far, authorities have not ruled out further arrests as they continue reviewing footage and gathering statements from witnesses.

Conclusion

The brutal assault in downtown Cincinnati has sparked an urgent conversation about urban safety, law enforcement responsiveness, and the role of bystanders during violent incidents. With three suspects in custody and a broader investigation underway, city and federal officials are working to determine accountability and prevent similar violence in the future.