StarTribune.com
rnc063009

Home | Politically Connected | National Politics | Political Conventions

Charges against 3 men emerge from RNC probe

They are charged in connection with a police altercation.

Last update: June 29, 2009 - 9:06 PM

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

Recent Political Conventions stories

Two suits filed over RNC arrests, raid - June 29, 2009
Two suits filed over RNC arrests, raid - Both lawsuits allege the city of St. Paul and law officers violated civil rights in the detentions and a separate raid on a duplex. More
Second Texan gets four years in RNC plot - June 29, 2009

Comment on this story   |   Read all 3 comments   |  Hide reader comments


Most PopularMost EmailedMost Read

The Whistleblower blog has moved

The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]

Recent posts

Dog Classified

New Home Wanted

Hundreds of puppies and dogs seeking new homes. Find one now!

Win tickets to see The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry.

Vita.mn presents The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry on Dec. 2.

See all contests