Career Criminal Arrested In Matthew Owens Beating (video)

The Mobile County District Attorney's Office says Mobile police have made an arrest in the beating of Matthew Owens.

Authorities say the suspect is 44-year-old Terry Rawls. They say he is charged with first degree assault.

Police say Owens was beaten severely with bats, bricks and a paint can. The attack happened on Saturday, April 21 in the evening on Delmar Drive in Mobile.

Cpl. Chris Levy with Mobile police said their investigation shows the incident stems from an ongoing dispute between the Owens and Rawls.

Police also wanted to release that no one has confirmed that this attack was “in retaliation for Trayvon Martin,” as one witness reported.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones urged the public to not jump to conclusions.

"Wait for the facts, as far as we’re concerned right now. But, I would caution people to not jump to conclusions right now. This is really very divisive in communities throughout the country, and I don't think we have any reason to be divisive here because I don't see any evidence of that," said Jones.

Jones said he is shocked with the national attention this crime has gotten.

When righty bloggers won't let go, the perp is jailed.