Construction worker recalls uptown Charlotte attack; 4 teens arr - | WBTV Charlotte

A man says he was beaten in the heart of uptown Charlotte while he was just trying to do his job. According to police, the assault happened late Friday night on South Tryon near the Courtyard Marriott. 

The victim spoke with WBTV, but asked to remain anonymous since he is now fearing for his safety. 

"I didn't think they were going to do anything. They were just running their mouths," he said about his alleged attackers.

But what appeared to be all talk quickly detoured into what the victim call's his swift attack.

"As soon as he came around the corner, he hit me in the eye and split my eyebrow open," he said. 

The man was working construction when he says four teenagers jumped him, busting his lip and eyebrow, and even pulling out a knife.

"I'm fighting two and one is trying to stab me the whole time and he turns out to be a minor," he said. 

It didn't take long for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to arrest the suspects. Dominique Rowell, 18, Jamar Williams, 16, and Nemiah Mcinnis, 15, are all charged with assault and battery, among other things. 

The victim believes the root of his attack was his race. 

"When I was sitting in that lobby, they didn't say anything to any African-American or black or however you want to put it. But as soon as any white person went through, they had something to say to them," he said. 

Rowell bonded out hours after his arrest. But while Williamson and Mcinnis may be still booked, the victim is troubled by how low their bonds are. Both are set below $1,000, despite prior charges. 

"I can't really say how I feel unless you want me to cuss because I'm pretty angry about it. if you're making it that easy to go in and out of your justice system then why would they have any fear of doing anything wrong?" the victim said. 

WBTV reached out to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office. who sent us a statement.

"The investigation regarding this incident is ongoing," the statement read. "Bond amounts are set in the discretion of magistrates and judges."

While the man never wants to face his attackers again, he still hopes they hear his message.

"Grow up," he said. "Obviously they were taught hate from a young age, or they just hate for no reason."

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