HomeMy WebLinkAboutIncident Press ReleaseDATE: July 21, 2020
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Jeff Smith, Police Captain
jsmith@slocity.org
805) 781-7321
Update On July 21st Protest In The City Of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo - A protest in the City of San Luis Obispo today resulted in significant public safety risks
for protesters and community members. The City supports peaceful protests and the expression of free
speech, but actions that put the safety of the public at risk cannot be tolerated and detract from the
ability for voices to be heard at this important time.
Early Monday morning the City of San Luis Obispo became aware of a planned, peaceful protest
scheduled for today. The San Luis Obispo Police Department immediately began reaching out to group
organizers to ensure the safety of the protesters and community. This type of communication has led to
many safe protests and rallies that have recently taken place in the City.
Police Chief Deanna Cantrell contacted protest organizer, Tianna Arata, prior to the event and was
ensured the event at Mitchell Park would be peaceful.
The protest began at 4:00 pm at Mitchell Park and at approximately 5:15 pm transitioned to a march of
approximately 300 people through the downtown area. The protesters entered Highway 101, putting in
jeopardy the safety of protesters, motorists, and law enforcement and blocked all lanes in both
directions for nearly an hour. Law enforcement resources were limited based on expectations of a
peaceful protest. While on the freeway protesters damaged the hood of a passenger vehicle and
smashed the rear window where a 4 year-old child was in the back seat and had glass shattered on him.
Shortly after 7:10 pm the protest left the highway using the northbound California Boulevard exit and
began to move toward Monterey Street. Protesters stopped and surrounded a vehicle at Monterey and
California before moving toward downtown and returning to Mitchell Park. Some individuals were also
observed chasing down and throwing objects at a vehicle.
The group returned to Mitchell Park at approximately 7:30 pm where they continued to hold the protest
until dispersing at around 8:00 pm.
The Police Department arrested Arata on charges of Participation in a Riot (PC 404), Unlawful Assembly
PC 407), Conspiracy (PC 182a), Unlawful Imprisonment (PC 236) and Resisting Arrest (PC 148) after the
protest concluded. The decision to arrest Arata was made in coordination with the District Attorney’s
Office based on Arata’s actions and the actions of the organized group. During the arrest of Arata, a San
Luis Obispo Police Officer was assaulted by an individual, who was subsequently arrested for PC 405a
and PC 69. The officer suffered minor injuries.
The City of San Luis Obispo supports peaceful protests,” said Police Chief Deanna Cantrell, “but we will
not support violent acts and will continue to take action to protect our community.”
The City received emergency assistance from several local law enforcement agencies. Anyone who
received or observed property damage or potential crimes related to today’s protest are asked to
contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 805-781-7312.