Franklin County Prosecutor Press Release

Posted on 5/26/2011

Defendant: Woodfest 2011

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced today that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned indictments against two individuals in connection to the Woodfest block party that spilled into the streets, affecting traffic on East Woodruff Avenue between Indianola Avenue and High Street in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 15, 2011. Police were patrolling the area, warned the crowd that they needed to disperse, but eventually needed to use pepper spray to clear the area. Matthew Coleman, age 19, was indicted for two counts of Assault on a Police Officer (F-4), and one count of Obstructing Official Business (F-5). Michael Shivak, age 21, was indicted for one count of Assault on a Police Officer (F-4) and one count of Obstructing Official Business (F-5). “There are obviously going to be safety concerns any time a massive group blocks our public streets”, O’Brien stated. Arraignments for Coleman and Shivak are set for Monday, June 13th, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 1B.