Charges Dropped After Minneapolis Police Mistake Man For Someone Else

MINNEAPOLIS — The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has dropped charges against a man after discovering that the Minneapolis police made a case of mistaken identity.

Robert Russell Brent III faced riot, assault, and gun charges in the attack on St. Anne’s Place, a homeless shelter.

Minneapolis police said Brent III and the new suspect share several physical characteristics, have a similar relationship with a witness to the assault, and drive a similar vehicle. The new suspect has not been named or arrested.

Though charges were dismissed for the pistol-whipping incident, police said Brent III remains a suspect in a separate incident that occurred at St. Anne’s on Aug. 4.

"We have recently learned from our law enforcement partners at MPD that Robert Russell Brent III was misidentified as the suspect in the St. Anne’s Place attack who pistol-whipped two people and fired a gun on Sept. 5, 2024," the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said in a statement on Tuesday.

"MPD shared this information with us right away as part of their ongoing investigation, and upon learning this information, we immediately began the process of filing a written dismissal. Mr. Brent will be released from custody as soon as possible."

Eureka Dominique Riser, 33, was charged Friday with second-degree riot and first-degree damage to property damage in the attack on St. Anne’s Place.