Protesters smash windows, light fires in Tacoma after cop drove into crowd
At least 200 people marched through the streets of Tacoma on Sunday, with some of them lighting fires and damaging buildings along the way in response to a police car driving into a crowd the day before.
Demonstrators also barricaded streets to block traffic, held signs decrying police brutality and spray-painted phrases like “KILL COPS” on the sides of buildings. Others waved antifa flags and banged on a fence surrounding the Pierce County Jail, according to local media.
The massive protest in the Washington state city came hours after police announced that the officer who plowed through a group of people Saturday night had been placed on paid administrative leave.
Video of the incident showed him ramming his police SUV into a crowd that was blocking and hitting the vehicle. Police said he was “fearing for his safety” and had tried to back up but was unable to do so “because of the crowd.”
Two people were hurt in the incident, including one who was run over as bystanders screamed in horror. The terrifying footage also showed the officer revving his engine before surging forward, flinging multiple pedestrians to the ground.
One of the victims was released from the hospital Sunday and none of their injuries were believed to be life-threatening, authorities said.
The cop’s name has not been released, but authorities identified him as a 58-year-old patrol officer who has been a member of the Tacoma Police Department for 29.5 years.
The shocking footage from Saturday night sparked outrage across the city and triggered a deadly-force investigation by The Pierce County Force Investigation Team, which is made up of law enforcement officials and community representatives. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards said she was “deeply concerned” by the situation.
“For those who woke up this morning feeling outrage, frustration, grief, heartbreak, or confusion, I understand and honor your feelings,” she said in a statement Sunday. “I, too, am deeply saddened by what we saw last night... As we learn the facts of the case, I have called on the City Manager and Police Chief to ensure that everyone involved is held accountable.”
Local activists have urged the city to act swiftly by firing and arresting the officer. One of the signs seen in Sunday’s demonstration read, “Trained cops can panic and act on impulse… but untrained civilians must remain calm w/a gun in their face.”
Amid the chaos and vandalism Sunday night, at least two people were arrested with a handgun and knives, police said. The pair, along with a third suspect who was still at large, was caught trying to get into the roof of a secured building, according to police.
Saturday’s protest was held in support of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who died in police custody in Tacoma in March 2020.
