On August 17, the Direct Action Monterey Network joined a group of residents in Salinas at a demonstration against police violence. Four unarmed Latino men have been killed by Salinas police since March. Although the event was intended to be a community forum, the Cesar Chavez Public Library refused to let the group use their facilities. The gathering was interrupted when someone came over to tell the group that a man was being arrested across the street, but cops were prevented from arresting him by the newly formed local Cop Watch.

A couple of people immediately started walking to the front of the library, but soon they were followed by 15-20 other people who were adamant about preventing the police from harassing, arresting, or hurting anyone else in the community.

Direct Action Monterey Network writes: "We quickly walked across the street and surrounded the two cops who had a man hand-cuffed and sitting on the hood of one of their patrol cars. People began filming the incident with their phones, while some started heckling the cops and asking why they were detaining this man. The cops, looking around nervously, yelled at people to back up. Some local residents recognized the detained man, who regularly hangs out at the intersection and occasionally panhandles."

"After about 20-30 minutes the cops began to remove the handcuffs from the detained man’s arms and started leaving. The crowd cheered and chanted “Sí se puede!”"

Read More with Photos | Direct Action Monterey Network

Previous Coverage: Rally in Salinas Demands Justice for Frank Alvarado, Killed by Salinas Police || Police Officers Kill Fourth Person in East Salinas: Frank Alvarado || Families, Residents and Statewide Supporters Fight for Justice in Salinas || Salinas Police Kill Three People in Last Three Months