MPD: Delmar Dr 'a neighborhood dispute'

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Police Chief Micheal T. Williams sat down with the media Tuesday to discuss a beating in Mobile that left a man in critical condition.

Matthew Owens was taken to USA Medical Center in April after police said he was beaten by several people on Delmar Drive.

Williams said it all started with a game of basketball, but ended with national attention.

"This was something that was really blown out of proportion. We made national news on something that was just a neighborhood dispute," said Williams.

Williams took us back to the beginning and stated what he believes are the facts. He said in the three weeks since the assault on Matthew Owens, investigators have learned a number of things.

First, Williams said during the confrontation between the young boys and Owens, racial slurs were made from both parties. He also said Owens produced two knives, one in each hand.

“I can tell you that there were knives. He did arm himself with knives at some point,” said Williams.

Williams said the kids then ran down the street.

"There was a cookout or a party, and (the kids) told some adults. And, one of those adults was Terry Rawls," said Williams.

At that point, police said Rawls came down the street with a baseball bat.

Authorities said a large group was with Rawls, but police believe there are only two other people that may be involved in the assault.

"There were three people in close proximity to Mr. Owens. Our investigation shows that Mr. Owens was struck multiple times by Terry Rawls,” said Williams.

Williams said they suspect another man and a woman were also involved. But until they have a witness or more evidence that shows they assaulted Owens, no arrests can be made.

"If we can get more information and we can get a warrant signed, we’ll be more than happy to arrest those people for assault," said Williams.

Rawls was charged shortly after the crime but most of the attention has been on another element in this case: media reports that set off a firestorm throughout the nation.

"This should not have been reported as some form of retaliation based on Trayvon Martin," said Williams.

Williams said FOX10 reported the incident responsibly.

"We have no issue with the way FOX10 reported the story because you guys were patient, and you actually went into the neighborhood and talked to some of the neighbors," Williams said

The name Trayvon Martin not only put the national spotlight on what police described as ‘a neighborhood dispute,’ it also brought threats.

"Many phone calls, emails, racially motivated things that came across our email systems (were) really unwarranted, really off base. People threatening to come to Mobile, to bring their guns to Mobile to take care of the situation," said Williams.

Some neighbors on Delmar Drive said there is no situation.

"(I want) peace and quiet, back to where it was," said one neighbor who did not wish to be identified.

As we previously reported, the district attorney is looking into the case and is still asking the public for information that could lead to more arrests.

As for the neighborhood, a group has gotten together and planned a small gathering to bring them together. That will take place on the street Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.