Oakland Police and protesters in the city were clashing late Saturday night after an evening of mostly peaceful demonstrations calling for social justice, the defunding of police and the end to systemic racism.
Protests in Oakland have been ongoing since March, but the more recent gatherings began Wednesday. On Friday night, several people were arrested, including one for shining a laser pointer at police, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.
Some within crowd are throwing objects and pointing lasers at officers. Penal Code 417.25 makes it a crime for a person to point a laser scope, or a laser pointer, at another person in a threatening manner. The offense is a misdemeanor, carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail. pic.twitter.com/cFmoHzu4uR
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) August 30, 2020
Police say the crowd began marching on Grand and blocking traffic there and on Mandana Avenue. Oakland Police declared the assembly “unlawful” and ordered the crowds to disperse, a move, police allege, that resulted in rocks and bottles being thrown and lasers aimed at officers.
Some within the crowd are throwing rocks and bottles at officers. One officer was injured near the intersection of Mandana and W.arfield. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/PoSgZ4XjqU
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) August 30, 2020
One officer was said to have been injured. Police also say those in the crowd were using shields to assault the officers.
Other protests have included what police have called “agitators.” On Wednesday night, upward of 700 participants marched through city streets, with some setting fires, breaking windows, spray-painting slogans and lighting off fireworks, as well as pointing lasers and throwing objects at officers.
