OFF-DUTY LAPD OFFICER NOW PROBABLY WISHES HE HAD NOT DRAWN HIS GUN

Protesters gather in Anaheim over LAPD officer firing gun during confrontation with teens

By Joshua Sudock and Chris Haire

Los Angeles Daily News
February 23, 2017

ANAHEIM -- Chaos erupted Wednesday night after what started as a peaceful assembly on the street where a shooting happened the day before — involving an off-duty LAPD officer — devolved into a protest involving as many as 300 people.

The confrontation began Tuesday over ongoing issues with juveniles walking across the officer’s property near Euclid Street and Palais Road, Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said.

A 13-year-old boy is accused of threatening to shoot the off-duty officer, at which time the officer attempted to detain the boy until Anaheim police arrived, he said. That led to a physical confrontation between the officer and several other juveniles. At that time, the officer, who hasn’t been identified, discharged his gun once.

The 13-year-old was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of criminal threats and battery. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery and released to his parents.

The off-duty officer had not been arrested, and a criminal investigation into the incident was underway. The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is also looking into the altercation and the officer has been placed on administrative leave, the LAPD said.

Earlier in the day, YouTube videos surfaced that show the Tuesday altercation.

Protesters gathered Wednesday night in the neighborhood of the shooting, eventually making their way to the officer’s home. Community leaders were initially speaking through a PA system in front of the homes where the fight occurred. They encouraged calm, togetherness and expressed dismay at Tuesday’s events.

The calm ended when someone with a can of red spray paint began writing profanities about police on a garage door of the officer’s neighbor. Chants of “No justice — no peace,” “Killer cops, off our streets!” “Don’t shoot our kids!” and profanities directed at police dominated the group’s evolving message.

Dozens of protesters spilled onto the officer’s driveway — kicking his garage, banging on his front door shouting and climbing atop an unoccupied pickup truck before others coaxed them back into the street.

Some began throwing trash and hard objects at Anaheim police officers observing the demonstration across the street. Protesters then took to Euclid Street, blocking traffic and marching north toward Ball Road, where they congregated in the intersection for several minutes.

The sound of sirens sent the mob running south on Euclid, but their scramble was halted by Anaheim police officers in riot gear who had established a skirmish line at Euclid Street and Palm Lane.

Police created a second skirmish line around the LAPD officer’s home.

The crowd began to thin around 10:15, after officers declared an unlawful assembly through a helicopter’s PA system. A large firework exploded shortly thereafter.

The police skirmish line began pushing the remaining people away from homes and out of the streets shortly before 11 p.m.

At least five people appeared to be arrested around 11:30 p.m. as the police skirmish lines met along Euclid between Ball Road and Palm Lane.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said Wednesday the city is committed to a thorough, impartial investigation of Tuesday’s incident.

“Like many in the community, I’ve seen the video and I’m very concerned about what it shows,” Tait said. “Anaheim is committed to a full and impartial investigation. Our city will move forward without delay.”

The gun that was fired was not the officer’s service weapon, Wyatt said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Another case of ‘Smile, You’re on Cellphone Camera’ show time.