Message
BOB FLETCHER
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF
425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101-2418
Telephone: 651-266-9300
Fax: 651-266-9301
For Immediate Release
For More Information
August 30, 2008
Contact: Holli Drinkwine
651-248-6653 (cell)
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CRIMINAL ANARCHISTS ARRESTED AND EQUIPMENT SEIZED DURING SEARCH WARRANTS
THROUGHOUT MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL
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On August 30, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, supported
by the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed search warrants at the following
addresses:
2301 23rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN
3500 Harriet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
3240 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
These search warrants were a part of an ongoing investigation regarding serious
criminal acts involving key members of the RNC Welcoming Committee.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated, "This investigation pertains to
actions of the RNC Welcoming Committee. The "Welcoming Committee" is a
criminal enterprise made up of 35 anarchists who are intent on committing
criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention. These acts
include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue
security and injuring police officers. They have recruited assistance in their
criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country.
Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the
law and the safety of others."
During the searches a number of items were recovered, some of which included:
Materials used in creating "sleeping dragons" (pvc pipe, chicken wire, duct
tape)
Large amounts of urine (including 3 - 5 gallon buckets of urine)
Wrist Rockets
Assorted edged weapons including a machete, hatchet and several throwing knives
Gas mask and filter
Empty glass bottles
Rags
Flammable liquids
Homemade Caltrops (devises used to disable buses in roads)
Metal pipes
Axes
Bolt cutters
Sledge hammers
Old tires (for burning)
Repelling equipment
Kryptonite locks
Empty plastic buckets cut and made into shields
Material for protective padding
An army helmet
Five persons were arrested this morning for probable cause conspiracy to riot,
conspiracy to commit civil disorder and conspiracy to damage property. Those
arrests are as follows:
At 2301 23rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, one individual was taken into custody:
Nathanael David Secor (DOB: 1/29/82)
At 3240 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, three individuals were taken into
custody:
Garrett Scott Fitzgerald (DOB: 2/28/83)
Eryn Chase Trimmer (DOB: 7/18/85)
Monica Rachel Bicking (DOB: 6/23/85)
And Erik Charles Oseland (DOB: 4/11/87) was taken into custody at an
undisclosed location.
These individuals are being held at the Hennepin County Jail.
A portion of the property recovered will be on display at 2:30 PM today at the
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office - 425 Grove Street - Media will enter security
check-point on Grove Street and be directed upon arrival.
Any further information can be received through Holli Drinkwine at the Ramsey
County Sheriff's Office (651-248-6653).
