CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — A judge has dismissed most of the charges against a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student who was arrested after trying to approach a street preacher on campus.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports Cole Montalvo is no longer facing charges of inciting to riot, disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. However, Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes sent one charge — resisting arrest — to a grand jury.
Montalvo's attorney, Franklin Chancey, says his client just wanted to engage in a civil debate with Cummings.
“Mr. Montalvo didn’t try to force his way to the individual, he didn’t yell anything hostile, he didn’t raise his voice at that point. In fact, on the videos he can be heard saying, “Ma’am, if you want to spread the good word maybe you shouldn’t be calling us all sinners.”