Salinas Police Protester Arrested for 'Inciting a Riot'

by Monterey County Police News

Thu, May 22, 2014 4:11PM

The Salinas Police Department arrested a man in Salinas on May 21 at 11 pm for allegedly 'inciting a riot', 'resisting arrest', and for violating the terms of his probation. He was arrested during the spontaneous protests held on Del Monte Avenue in response to the recent killings of three residents in separate incidents by the Salinas Police Department.

A SPD press release issued on May 22 at 1:18 am states:

"Diego Garcia (26) was in a crowd of demonstrators near the shooting scene at Del Monte Avenue and Mae Avenue. He taunted Officers, antagonized a Police K9, and moved through the crowd gathering followers. He was seen looking back into the crowd several times and encouraging others to join him. Garcia eventually approached a group of officers and began challenging them while taking a fighting stance. A Seaside Police Officer who responded to the scene to assist, took him into custody with assistance from Salinas Officers. He was lodged at the Monterey County Jail for inciting a riot, resisting arrest, and probation violation."

Most news sources have regurgitated the police account, and the Californian printed the police press release nearly verbatim in their version of the 'story': http://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/crime/2014/05/22/salinas-riot/2362056/

Support Independent Media

We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!