Arrests Made Over Cincinnati 'Couple' Attack

Newsweek

6 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Three people suspected to be connected to a fight that went viral online in Cincinnati, Ohio, have been arrested.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said that Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, had been arrested after footage of brawling in the city circulated on social media. A third person, Jermaine Matthews, 39, was arrested some days after the incident.
According to the Libs of TikTok X, formerly Twitter, account the two are a couple, though Newsweek could not independently verify this.
The Context
A fight took place during the Cincinnati Jazz Fest and a Cincinnati Reds game on Saturday, July 26, at around 3 a.m. local time. Law enforcement arrived at the scene at 3:12 a.m., police said.
Dekyra Vernon, left, and Montianez Merriweather.
Dekyra Vernon, left, and Montianez Merriweather.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
What To Know
Videos of the fight, which showed people pushing and shoving each other, went viral on social media and the incident was widely condemned by public figures including Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk.
It is not known what caused the fight, though police said that people had been drinking alcohol which could have had an impact.
According to court records, Merriweather and Vernon have been charged with felonious assault. This charge comes with a sentence of between two and eight years in jail.
Theetge said during a public meeting that there had been two arrests and a third person was being arrested. Jail and court officials confirmed on July 30 that Matthews, from the East Price Hill area of the city, had been charged with assault and aggravated riot.
Jermaine Matthews.
Jermaine Matthews.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Who Is Cincinnati Police Chief Terri Theetge?
Theetge is the first woman to lead the Cincinnati Police Department, a role she assumed in February 2022.
Following the incident, there were calls for her to be fired by public figures including actor and comedian Rob Schneider.
Some have said there was a lack of response to the incident, but Theetge has insisted the police reacted swiftly when they were called to the scene
I am Publicly asking the Mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval to FIRE Cincinnati Police Chief Terri Theetge!
Please retweet! https://t.co/tLF9scDvQh — Rob Schneider 🇺🇸 (@RobSchneider) July 29, 2025
What People Are Saying
Republican mayoral candidate Cory Bowman previously told Newsweek: "Cincinnati deserves clean, safe, and prosperous streets. We cannot wait until November's elections."
Police Chief Teresa Theetge said in a statement, per the Cincinnati Enquirer: "I am in complete disgust waking up to the viral video many of you have now seen. The behavior displayed is nothing short of cruel and absolutely unacceptable."
Vice President JD Vance, who grew up near the area, called the incident "disgusting."
"What I saw, and I haven't seen the full context, but what I saw is a mob of lawless thugs beating up on an innocent person," he said to a crowd in Canton, Ohio.
"I hope every single one of those people who engage in violence is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
What Happens Next
Further arrests are expected. Meanwhile, Merriweather and Vernon are still being treated suspects and are yet to be convicted or sentenced for their alleged crimes.