Suttons Bay man faces felony charges after BLM rally
Grand Traverse County, MICH (WPBN/WGTU)--A Suttons Bay man faces felony charges after an incident which took place a weekend Black Lives Matter rally in Traverse City. According to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor 27-year-old Aari Rebane has been charged with Possession of An Explosive Substance, (10-year felony), Carrying a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent (5-year felony), Assault and Battery (93-day misdemeanor) and Throwing Objects at Trains/Cars (93-day misdemeanor).
The Prosecutor, Noelle Moeggenberg, says Rebane was at the rally location, and reportedly threw a rock at a truck that was waiving a Trump flag as it passed by protestors on Grandview Parkway. Moeggenberg says when the truck stopped and the passenger exited, he was physically assaulted by the defendant who then fled the scene. The victim is a 34-year-old from Traverse City.
Traverse City Police report that once Rebane was taken into custody, a search of his backpack revealed he was in possession of more rocks wrapped in cloth, a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol, goggles, a first aid kit, a key for opening outside faucets at businesses and a crowbar/pry tool.
Rebane was arraigned on some of the charges this past weekend, but according to the Prosecutor will appear in court again to face other charges. The prosecutor says at this time Rebane’s arrest is the only legal action in response to the weekend rally that was otherwise peaceful.
