Update: Violence breaks out in downtown Modesto after march to protest George Floyd death
A largely peaceful, roughly four-hour march in Modesto erupted in violence in downtown when protesters and officers converged in areas on J street between 10th and 12th streets.
The confrontations between a few hundred protesters and police occurred at the end of the march that drew a crowd of at least a thousand people.
There was no immediate word of injuries. Early estimates of arrests late Sunday night stood at 15, according to the Modesto Police Department. The incidents, which began at about 4 p.m., continued close to 6 p.m. after it appeared things had quieted down by 5 p.m. The police perimeter extended out to 13th and I streets, then was pulled back in around 6:45 as people seemed to be dispersing.
One protester was knocked to the ground by police. Rocks, water bottles and other projectiles were tossed at officers, who had what appeared to be their rubber bullet and beanbag guns, as well as batons, drawn.
At least one flash bang grenade went off, and one person described what appeared to be the effects of tear gas or a similar substance in the air, leaving him coughing excessively and with a painful burning sensation in his eyes.
On the Facebook page for the Modesto March, a post around 6 p.m. read: “We want everyone to know, what happened with the cops and buildings was not us. We lead a 3.5hr PEACEFUL non violent march that ended once we got to brenden. The news story will be released on the peace this march brought, thank you.”
At 3:45 p.m., at the conclusion of the march, organizers thanked the people in the crowd for protesting peacefully, and it appeared protesters was dispersing amicably.
“Go home and get some rest,” she said.
Seconds later, others took the PA system she was speaking from, including one person who said, “There’s no such thing as a blue life!”
The person seemingly, to a degree, incited the crowd, which then turned to officers.
The officers then grouped together, forming a circle with their backs to the middle, and officers on bicycles retreated behind those on motorcycles and police vehicles.
At some point, the crowd of a few hundred slowly moved toward police, pointing fingers and yelling at the officers. Then, something was thrown the officers’ way.
At that point, officers in riot gear, who had been out of sight, quickly emerged and moved forward in lockstep, asking those in the crowd to leave.
“Move now! Move now! Move now!” officers were heard saying.
A law enforcement officer implored people to leave peacefully, or they would be subject to arrest for illegal assembly.
The crowd began shouting, and officers tried to move some people out.
There also were several well-intentioned protesters who were trying to keep the peace, moving people away from the officers and out of downtown.
From that point, there were various clusters of people yelling and taunting officers. One person was knocked down by police.
By close to 5 p.m., the incidents appeared to be over, as the crowds were moved toward K Street and toward Ninth Street, out of the immediate downtown area.
However, small groups remained, and by 6 p.m., barriers were being brought in. At least one more flash bang grenade could be heard.
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department deputies were assisting, as well as the Ceres Police Department, which was protecting the Modesto Police Department.
The front of the station was seen with cement barriers protecting its front entrance Sunday morning.
We’ll have more on this story and video shortly.
This story was originally published May 31, 2020 at 6:03 PM.
