Riot charges dropped against Philando Castile’s cousin

MINNEAPOLIS – Felony riot charges have been dropped against a cousin of Philando Castile who participated in protests after Castile was fatally shot by a suburban Minneapolis police officer.

The Carver County Attorney’s Office says there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Louis Hunter.

Castile was shot by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez during a July 2016 traffic stop.

Hunter later participated in a protest that shut down Interstate 94 during. Some participants threw objects at police, causing injuries. Prosecutors say video shows Hunter was agitated and swearing at officers, but no video shows him throwing objects. Hunter denied throwing anything.

The protest happened in Ramsey County. But Carver County considered charges because of Hunter’s relationship to Castile and because Ramsey County was prosecuting Yanez.