Cincinnati, Ohio — A fifth suspect connected to a violent altercation in downtown Cincinnati has been apprehended, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation, according to local police.
The Cincinnati Police Department reported that Patrick Rosemond, 38, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon by the Fugitive Apprehension Unit in Fulton County, Georgia. He was located and subsequently detained by the FBI’s Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Task Force.
Rosemond faces charges that include two counts of felonious assault and aggravated rioting, and authorities plan to extradite him back to Cincinnati to face these allegations.
The incident, which occurred on July 26 near the intersection of Fourth and Elm streets, has already seen the arrest of four other suspects. Dominique Kittle, the most recent to appear in court, was arraigned several days ago. His bond has been set at $150,000, with a court order prohibiting him from possessing firearms while the case is pending. Prosecutors expressed concerns for public safety, asserting that Kittle was involved in striking a victim and attempting to steal their wallet.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge noted that the department identified six victims in the brawl, including five men and one woman. In total, six individuals have been charged with felonious assault and aggravated rioting, with Montianez Merriweather, Jermaine Matthews, and Dekyra Vernon already in custody. The police continue to seek at least one other suspect.
Amid these developments, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval emphasized the city’s commitment to reducing violent crime. He labeled this issue as the top priority for city officials, particularly in light of recent events described by the police as a “violent attack.” In a recent press conference that included input from local business leaders and community figures, Pureval remarked that while crime data suggests a downward trend, public perception remains critical.
“Too many residents do not feel safe,” he stated, reiterating the need for immediate action to enhance community safety. Pureval’s remarks highlight a broader challenge of balancing statistical progress with the lived experiences of Cincinnatians.
The local community anxiously awaits further developments as investigators continue their efforts to ensure justice for the victims and the ongoing safety of the city.