In a recent turn of events, a man has been indicted in connection with the alleged assault of Ferguson police officer Travis Brown.
The incident occurred during a protest outside the Ferguson police station in Missouri, which escalated into violence last Friday night. In addition to the main suspect, four other protesters were taken into custody during the demonstration.
As reported by The Post Millennial, the St. Louis Post Dispatch identified the primary suspect as Elijah Gantt, a 28-year-old resident of East St. Louis. Gantt faces multiple charges, including two counts of fourth-degree assault, first-degree assault, and property damage. He is currently detained under a $500,000 cash-only bond.
The St. Louis Prosecutor's office accuses Gantt of causing Officer Brown to topple over, leading to a severe head injury as he hit the pavement. Brown is presently hospitalized, grappling with a significant brain injury, as per police reports. The other four individuals arrested were Emily R. Davis, Phillip H. March, Keith W. Rose, and Derrick Robinson, as reported by KFVS 12. Davis is charged with third-degree assault and resisting arrest, while Rose, March, and Robinson face charges for first-degree property damage.
Upon posting bond, Davis, Rose, Robinson, and March are all required to maintain distance from the victims of their alleged criminal activities. Davis is held on a $5,000 bond, while the other three each have bonds set at $500.
The charging documents, as reviewed by the Dispatch, reveal that Officer Brown was in the process of arresting Gantt for property damage when Gantt allegedly shoved him, causing the officer to fall and hit his head. Ferguson officer Scott Amos, in the charging documents, stated that Gantt had been "pulling on the gate, in a strong jerking manner" when Officer Brown approached to arrest him. Gantt then fled the scene, taking cover behind a car, and Officer Brown attempted to prevent his escape.
Amos wrote, "I then later observed the defendant run into (Brown) without stopping or attempting to change his direction, knocking (Brown) over, and causing (Brown) to strike his head on the ground."
Before his arrest, Gantt had shared his perspective with the Dispatch, stating, It only takes one person to touch other people when you believe in something big." This incident underscores the escalating tensions and the potential for violence in protests, raising questions about the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining law and order.
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