Brooklyn Park Police say they've arrested the third and final suspect involved in a pair of assaults and robberies last week, crimes with alleged racial overtones.
The man, a 23 year old from Brooklyn Center, was arrested at 9:15 PM Wednesday night near his home in Brooklyn Center. Investigators say the suspect fled the scene after two African American men were beaten and robbed. He is currently being held at the Brooklyn Park Detention Center on a probable cause hold for the robbery and assault. Two others have already been charged in the attacks.
Meanwhile, residents of Brooklyn Park will hold a rally Thursday night in reaction to the beatings. The "Rally Against Racist Attacks and in Celebration of Diversity" will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Hartkopf Park, 7300 Florida Ave. N. The park is near the site of the attacks.
Carol Woehrer and Linda Freemon decided to stage the demonstration after reading news accounts about the beating, deciding, in Woehrer's words, "we shouldn't wait until something even worse happens."
Brooklyn Park Mayor Steve Lampi, police chief Michael David, state legislators from the area and other local officials have confirmed they will attend, Woehrer said. At least one of the victims also plans to attend, she said.
The assailants are accused of beating, robbing and stripping naked 18-year-old Derrick Thomas, who is autistic, on a street in Brooklyn Park early Thursday morning, then roughing up Johnney Robinson, 40, four blocks away before they were interrupted by police.
Both victims are black, the suspects are white, and authorities say both crimes appear to be motivated by racial bias. The U.S. Secret Service is also investigating the men for allegedly threatening to kill the Obamas.
Two of the alleged assailants were charged with two felonies -- aggravated first-degree robbery and attempted first-degree robbery -- and two gross misdemeanors -- fourth-degree assault and attempted fourth-degree assault. Rally participants are asked to "bring a sign celebrating diversity and a candle."
(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
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