New body camera footage has been released by the police, showcasing their response to a violent incident in downtown Cincinnati that left six people injured and resulted in six arrests.
The footage captures officers arriving at the scene early on Saturday, July 26th, around 3:25 a.m.
Previously, it was reported that police only arrived due to 911 calls.
A man in a green polo shirt can be seen speaking with police, saying, “I’m 62. I’ve been attacked by multiple people.”
When asked what triggered the fight, he responded, “I don’t really know,” before adding, “It just got out of the bar and it just went crazy.”
The officer probed further, asking if any confrontation had occurred inside the bar. The man denied it, stating, “No, no, no. I was side punched. It wasn’t a fair fight at all.”
In another clip, a female officer inquires if witnesses know if the brawl was about food, specifically wings, from a local food truck.
As the officers arrived, they are heard asking, “Are they fighting about the wings?”
A witness claimed, “I heard he was a white man who called out a man.”
Recently, all six individuals arrested in connection with the downtown incident have been charged with multiple counts of felony assault.
The suspects include Patrick Rosemond, 38, Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montian Meriweather, 34, Dekira Vernon, 24, Dominique Kittle, 37, and Aisha Devaughn, 25. They are facing two counts of felony assault and additional charges.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pilich expressed dismay, saying, “What I saw on the video is not the Cincinnati that I know and love,” emphasizing that those involved must be held accountable.
The incident gained widespread attention after video footage showed a severe fight near Fourth Avenue and Elm Street. Bystanders reported that racial slurs were hurled during the altercation.
One witness, Jay Black, recounted, “I saw something loud and zoomed in. The so-called victims were pretty aggressive,” adding that some people were attempting to de-escalate the situation.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Tegge highlighted the issue of bystanders not using 911, revealing that out of nearly 100 people in the area, only one person called for help. “That’s not acceptable,” she said.
Another victim, Holly, described being violently thrown to the ground while trying to intervene in the fight. She shared her fear and the lasting injuries she sustained, including brain damage and a serious concussion.
“It’s very humbling and embarrassing not to be able to hang out on your own,” she added, reflecting on her experience.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval addressed the violence during a press conference, stating, “There’s no place for violent crime in Cincinnati,” and pledging that law enforcement is working diligently to bring those responsible to justice. However, concerns regarding how law enforcement is managed in the city were also expressed by others.
Mayor Cory Bowman suggested that certain policies might allow violent offenders to remain free. He elaborated that police felt they weren’t supported adequately and were often instructed to show restraint rather than enforce the law. Council member Anna Albi also condemned the violence, emphasizing the responsibility of elected officials to ensure community safety while supporting both social services and police enhancements.
If convicted, the suspects could face potential prison sentences of up to 2.5 years.
