Charges Filed After July 4th Mob Attack on Police Officer
Three adults and four juveniles have been taken into custody following a mob attack on a female police officer in South Carolina that was caught on video. The incident occurred on July 4th.
The North Charleston Police Department reported that the juveniles are facing a range of charges. These include third-degree mob assault, assault on an officer while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, and possession of a machine gun, as well as breaching the peace.
A police spokesperson stated, “You can’t just have a mob jump on and assault a police officer who is merely doing her job. That’s unacceptable.”
Among those arrested is 19-year-old Giovanni Meki Cynthia Campbell, charged with possessing a machine gun. Another suspect, 18-year-old Samya Adrianna Collette Weaver, has been charged with breaching the peace and assaulting police.
DeJuan Ravenel, 21, from Charleston, was arrested for allegedly stealing a Taser and a gun magazine from one of the assaulted officers. Police tracked him to an apartment complex in West Ashley and arrested him after observing him leave the premises.
Upon executing a search warrant, authorities recovered the stolen Taser and magazine. Ravenel faces charges related to unlawfully taking a weapon from law enforcement and was taken to jail, with ongoing investigations hinting at more potential arrests.
There is a cellphone video that captures the moment of the police attack.
Prior to the incident, police had permitted neighborhood block parties in North Charleston, engaging with organizers to ensure proper traffic and safety measures. However, around 8:30 p.m. on July 4th, reports emerged of gunfire and fireworks being shot at vehicles.
Officers quickly responded, urging attendees to disperse, but conflicts escalated, leading to several scuffles. Police noted that multiple officers were assaulted, two female officers sustained minor injuries, and several individuals were arrested for their actions.
“Attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” said police in a statement. They also expressed gratitude to community members who assisted during the chaos.
North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho stated that the two injured officers are doing fine. Community advocate Elvin Speights expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s emotional and humiliating. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but it could have ended badly.”
He also commended the police response, highlighting their restraint in a tense situation. Camacho mentioned that they had received intelligence about planned fireworks fights that evening but were unprepared for the scale of the violence that erupted at the block party.
“We need community support, as this situation is becoming quite dangerous,” he remarked. He added that dealing with unruly youths has proven to be one of the toughest challenges in his career.
