2 Juveniles Charged in Halloween-Night Attack on Charleston West Side Business Owner

There's a big update in the Halloween-night attack that left a Charleston business owner hurt outside his own shop, and folks on the West Side have been waiting for it.

The Charleston Police Department said Monday that two juveniles have been charged with malicious wounding in the beating of Dave Bragg, owner of Wandering Wind Meadery in the 400 block of Washington Street West. Police said they believe the two were the primary aggressors, and that more juveniles may be charged as the investigation continues. Because the suspects are minors, their names will not be released.

What police say happened

The attack happened in an alleyway outside the meadery shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, and security camera video captured a group of people going after the owner. According to Charleston police spokesman Sgt. Travis Bailes, it came not long after officers broke up a large party on Butler and Vincent streets nearby. Police believe most of the people seen in the video had been at that party before heading down to Washington Street.

Bailes said the owner asked the group to leave his property, and a fight broke out from there. Police said they have identified several of the juveniles, including the ones who appeared to start it, and that they want to hold everyone responsible accountable.

Hurt, but on the mend

Bragg has said he suffered a concussion, a broken rib and an eye injury, and spent several hours in the hospital. He has said he remembers stepping out to check on a commotion outside his business, and not much after that until he was in the hospital. He has also thanked the community for sharing the videos and urged anyone who recognizes the people in them to come forward.

In its release, the police department also had a message for families: "The Charleston Police Department reminds parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where their children are, who they are with, and what activities they are involved in." The department added that adults play a critical role in preventing incidents like this through supervision and accountability.

How to help

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Detective Brooks with the Charleston Police Department at 304-348-6480.

The meadery has become a beloved little spot on the West Side, and a lot of Charleston folks have been pulling for its owner since Sunday. We'll keep following this one. You can read our earlier report on the attack here.