www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/dozens-attack-a-chp-patrol-car-in-fresno-as-officer-sits-inside#.V-ksrtfLsio.facebook
Fresno, Calif
Dozens attack a California Highway Patrol vehicle in Fresno Sunday afternoon, as an officer sits inside.
The attack happened at the intersection of North and Orange Avenues in Southwest Fresno Sunday afternoon around 3:40. Police say a group of about 40 people were putting on a sideshow, driving around recklessly and doing tricks in their car. The group's show blocked off the intersection and drivers were halted.
"The vehicles parked all around the intersection and traffic backed up," Fresno Police Lt. Mindy Casto said.
The CHP officer was patrolling the area when he saw the large group. The officer tried to pullover one of the vehicles burning donuts in the intersection. When the officer returned to his vehicle, the dozens then surrounded the car and began striking, kicking and yelling. Within seconds, the group caused up to $12,000 worth of damage, destroying several windows. Police say the first strike was right next to the officer, on the driver's side window.
"A very hard strike, and had that glass broken, it probably would have shattered on the officer," Lt. Casto said. "So we can only speculate what kind of damage may have happened."
Police say they've identified some suspects but no arrests have been made yet. The officer was able to drive away unharmed. Police say this group is both local and from out of town. Lt. Casto says say they've identified some suspects but no arrests have been made yet.
"I cant really speculate what the crowds intent was, but what they did do absolutely was attack a vehicle with an officer inside of it," Lt. Casto said.
The suspects could face several felony charges, including assault and vandalism.
