Posted on August 6, 2008

Man Attacked in Salisbury in What Police Call Ethnic Intimidation

Ron Magnuson, WSOC-TV(Charlotte), August 1, 2008

A young man is being held in the Rowan County Correctional Facility accused in the mob-style beating of a 47-year-old who was simply taking an evening stroll in his neighborhood.

Matthew Dwyer’s eyes are blackened, his forehead stitched up and his arms scraped up. He said he was beaten by nine black teenagers.

Salisbury police said it was a racially motivated and gang-motivated crime. Dwyer is white.

Dwyer said it all started when one of his assailants said he wasn’t allowed on the street, and then Dwyer was hit in the back of the head with a gun.

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Salisbury Deputy Police Chief Steve Whitley said the teens were wearing gang colors and are part of a well-known gang in east Salisbury.

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Police arrested the teen who they believe is the gang leader and started the beating. His name is Marlon Barber, but he goes by “Murda.”

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Barber is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and ethnic intimidation. Police said the investigation is ongoing and they expect to make more arrests.