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Charges against 3 men emerge from RNC probe
They are charged in connection with a police altercation.
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A police investigation into protests during last year's Republican National Convention has led to new or amended charges against three men, authorities say.
According to complaints filed last week in Ramsey County District Court, two men face charges stemming from an altercation with police on Jackson Street near Shepard Road on Sept. 1.
Authorities say a tight-knit group of 40 to 50 people carrying two large corrugated-metal signs were warned by officers to stay on Shepard Road. Instead, the complaints say, the group charged at the officers while shielded by the signs, and launched or hurled rocks and other objects.
Matthew M. Connell, 30, of Minneapolis, is accused of helping hold one sign and has been charged with aiding and abetting third-degree riot.
In an amended complaint, John W. Slavin, 27, of West Lafayette, Ind., is accused of possessing wrist rockets at the time of the clash and of picking up a gas munition tossed by police and throwing it back at officers. In addition, the complaint said, a search of a van registered to him was found to have additional wrist rockets, gas masks and other items.
Slavin also faces a gross-misdemeanor charge of aiding and abetting third-degree riot, plus two additional misdemeanor charges.
The third man, Jason A. Falk, 20, of Eagan, is accused of possessing a large knife when stopped by police near the State Capitol on Sept. 4.
ANTHONY LONETREE
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