Disputed Social Media Posts Fuel Anger At Walnut Creek Police

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Monday's George Floyd protest in Walnut Creek ended with protesters streaming onto Interstate Highway 680 to block traffic, and some vandalizing downtown. That was one day after looters caused extensive damage in downtown Walnut Creek and hauled away merchandise from stores.

On Wednesday, a new conflict occurred for the Walnut Creek Police Department — dealing with posts on social media that claimed protesters blocking traffic on the freeway were told, “If you do not move, you will be dead!”

However, the police department tracked down body-worn camera video from another agency that was providing mutual aid. In the video, an officer can be heard saying, “If you do not move, you will be gassed!”

Walnut Creek Police now estimate Monday's crowd at 3,000 people. The crowd marched from Civic Park through downtown streets. Officers shut down traffic to ensure that participants were safe while they marched. Participants posted their photos and videos online.

About an hour into the march, "the largest group of protestors (estimated to be approximately 1,000 people) began heading toward Highway 680," Walnut Creek Police Lt. Tracie Reese said in a lengthy message to the community. "CHP was notified and attempted to block access to the freeway but were overrun by aggressive protestors. The CHP called for emergency assistance from the Walnut Creek Police Department, who were monitoring a live social media feed and could see active physical confrontations between CHP officers and protesters. As this was occurring, CHP dispatchers were receiving 911 calls from motorists caught in the protest asking for help and reports of vehicles being vandalized."

Reese noted that, in the past, protesters on freeways have been hit by vehicles, have vandalized the vehicles of drivers who were stuck in traffic, and have gotten into confrontations with drivers.

"Officers told the protesters to move out of the way multiple times over a loud speaker from an armored vehicle," the community message continues. "When the protesters refused to move, even after being warned, officers deployed tear gas and other non-lethal tools. This cleared the crowd enough for police vehicles to reach the CHP officers and provide assistance. They then worked together to remove the remaining protesters who refused to leave the freeway. This took nearly 30 minutes and multiple dispersal orders and warnings."

In the process of clearing the freeway, one officer was injured by a thrown object, a protester was hit with something and injured, and another protester was bitten by a police dog. The latter person was arrested for throwing a projectile at an officer, police said.

Below is video from the incident, including video and audio obtained from a body-worn camera. The officer's warning about "you will be gassed" occurs at about 1 minute 14 seconds into the video:

However, people on the freeway thought they heard, “If you do not move, you will be dead!” Listen to both videos and decide for yourself.

Once the freeway was clear and a curfew had gone into effect, police told a crowd gathered at North Civic Drive and Broadway to leave. Most of them complied, but those who remained were told they would be arrested if they didn't leave.

"Several protesters began committing acts of vandalism on a nearby business," Reese said in the community message, "prompting officers to deploy tear gas on those who remained. Some of the protestors began throwing projectiles at officers, including a large rock. One officer sustained an injury."

According to Reese, 66 Walnut Creek police officers were assisted by more than 150 additional officers from neighboring agencies providing mutual aid.

>>$6.5M Slashed From Walnut Creek Budget; Emergency Reserve Tapped

Reese had a final message to residents: "We continue to offer support and protection to those legally and peacefully demonstrating under their First Amendment rights."

Related:

• Walnut Creek Protesters Block I-680, Vandalize Property
• Small Walnut Creek Protest Tuesday Remains Peaceful
  
• Walnut Creek Walgreens Looted: 5 Arrests
• Statement From Walnut Creek Mayor On Looting, Curfew
• Looters Strike Walnut Creek, BART Station Closed