Akron police arrested seven Canton men early Sunday morning after they attacked a group of white men while shouting “black lives matter,” according to reports.
The group of alleged assailants — five black men and two white men — attacked the victims with bottles before punching and kicking them, police said. One victim fell to the ground and lost consciousness after he was kicked repeatedly in the head. The victims told officers the attackers stole their belongings and then fled on foot.
The incident happened about 12:30 a.m. at the edge of the University of Akron campus, near Carroll and Goodkirk streets. The alleged attackers do not appear to be affiliated with the national Black Lives Matter activist organization.
Akron and university police located the alleged attackers nearby. Those arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail were:
• Anthony M. Valasek, 18, charged with rioting, felonious assault and robbery.
• Bret D. Young, 25, charged with rioting, felonious assault and robbery.
• James C. Vance, 22, charged with rioting, receiving stolen property and assault.
• Raejon W. Williams, 18, charged with rioting, receiving stolen property and assault.
• Jessie L. Butler, 19, charged with rioting and assault.
• Shane R. Thompson, 20, charged with rioting and assault.
• Jordan M. McCrae, 22, charged with rioting.