FREDERICK RIOTERS ATTACK POLICE OFFICERS AFTER ENGAGING IN CRIMINAL CONDUCT

FREDERICK RIOTERS ATTACK POLICE OFFICERS AFTER ENGAGING IN CRIMINAL CONDUCT

• International Workers Day turns violent as leftists find plenty to be beef about Trump’s first 100 days and put on the dark side of Antifa gear in the park. – Frederick News Post

FREDERICK, MD. – Frederick Police report that a protest demonstration turned violent on MAY DAY when several groups gathered throughout the City of Frederick on Thursday evening to exercise their First Amendment rights.

The Frederick Police Department issued a statement that reported that they …”monitored these events to ensure the safety of all involved. Most participants demonstrated peacefully and with respect for the law, and we thank those individuals and organizations for honoring that responsibility.”

“However, one group chose to cross the line from lawful demonstration into criminal conduct. Instead of engaging in lawful expression, they turned to aggression, destruction, and outright criminal behavior.”

At approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to the area of Fourth Street and N. Market Street for a report of a group of roughly 20 individuals wearing all black striking passing vehicles with umbrellas, endangering motorists, and escalating tensions. Several of these individuals were also wearing protective goggles and gas masks, a tactic commonly used by protestors anticipating confrontation or preparing to engage in unlawful activity while avoiding identification or the effects of crowd control measures. As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, several individuals responded by assaulting law enforcement officers. One officer was struck in the head with an object thrown by a protester, while another officer was hit in the groin with a metal pole. Three members of this protest group were immediately taken into custody.

Three individuals are being charged with riot and assault on a law enforcement officer, and the fourth is being accused of riot.

“Officers recovered fireworks, laser pointers, spray paint, and other tools commonly used to destroy property or interfere with police. A nearby window was also discovered shattered. The nature of the items recovered, along with the coordinated behavior of these protesters, clearly indicates this group arrived with the intent to commit crimes, not to peacefully protest.”

“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right we will always protect,” said Chief Jason Lando. “But when individuals show up with a plan to assault officers and damage property, and bring the tools to commit those acts, that’s not protected speech, that’s a crime. We will not tolerate violent or destructive behavior in our city, and anyone who puts our community or our officers at risk will be held accountable.”

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information, photos, or video related to this incident is encouraged to contact FPD at 301-600-2102. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 301-600-TIPS (8477) or emailing fpdcrimetip@frederickmdpolice.org.

Individuals Arrested and Charged:

Joseph Eastwood (DOB: 11/11/1990)
 Frederick Resident

• Obstructing and Hindering
• Riot
• Disturbing the Peace / Hindering Passage
• Disorderly Conduct
• Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
• Assault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x1)

Andromeda Weir (DOB: 2/9/1999)
 Frederick Resident

• Obstructing and Hindering
• Riot
• Disturbing the Peace / Hindering Passage
• Disorderly Conduct
• Failure to Obey a Lawful Order

Joshua Louis Gainey (DOB: 9/13/1985)
 Frederick Resident

• Obstructing and Hindering
• Riot
• Disturbing the Peace / Hindering Passage
• Disorderly Conduct
• Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
• Assault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x3)

Jayla Maddison Draghici (DOB: 1/15/2000)
 Frederick Resident
Obstructing and Hindering
Riot
Disturbing the Peace / Hindering Passage
Disorderly Conduct
Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
Assault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x1)