Vancouver Protest Results In Several Arrests And Property Damage - 10/31/20

Vancouver, Wash. –On October 30, 2020, at approximately 10:00 p.m., a group, which grew to approximately 300 people within the span of about 15 minutes, began congregating in Esther Short Park to express their concerns about the recent death of Kevin Peterson following an officer-involved shooting that occurred with deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Vancouver Police were in the area of the park to ensure individuals could exercise their First Amendment rights and create a safe environment for expression of these rights.  At approximately 10:15 p.m., the group began marching in downtown Vancouver taking over the street and blocking traffic.

As the group of demonstrators continued to grow beyond the initial attendees, their peaceful conduct switched to destructive behavior to include destruction of property and vandalism.  At approximately 11:00 p.m., police received information regarding a dumpster fire in the downtown area.  Another dumpster fire was reported at approximately 11:50 p.m.

At 12:15 a.m., the group became more aggressive when it congregated near the Clark County Jail and began throwing rocks at law enforcement personnel. A dispersal order was given to the crowd. The crowd did disperse but re-congregated shortly thereafter near Esther Short Park.   

At 12:25 a.m., there were reports of shots being fired in the air by one of the protestors; however, no injuries were reported as a result of that.

At 12:54 a.m., additional orders to disperse were given by police multiple times to the group in the area of Esther Short Park. As the group began to spread out, police were able to engage with the crowd and move people out of the area. Those that refused to obey the dispersal orders were arrested for Failure To Disperse (RCW 9A.84.020):

• Daniel C. Ring, Age 28, Vancouver, WA
• Laura L. Vetsch, Age 28, Eugene, OR
• Ruby D. Martin, Age 31, Eugene, OR
• Fahiym B. Acuay, Age 39, Portland, OR
• Michael B. Rivera, Age 39, Camas, WA
• Nick I. Caleb, Age 37, Unknown city of residence

No chemical munitions were used by police during this incident.

As a result of the unlawful behavior of the demonstrators, multiple businesses in the downtown area incurred property damage to include broken windows and graffiti. Anyone who was not contacted by police last night and need to report property damage to their residence or business should call 3-1-1.

The investigations into individuals responsible for criminal acts related to this protest are continuing.

The Vancouver Police Department acknowledges the event that led to the community expressing itself through demonstration activity and respects the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble.  “Violence and destruction does not benefit anyone.  The Vancouver Police Department is committed to working with the community toward improving trust and policing practices but does not condone criminal behavior. This commitment has been demonstrated through the on-going meetings with the City’s Community Task Force on Policing, which is devoted to positive outcomes for the benefit of everyone.” Said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain. 

“The death of Kevin Peterson is a tragic loss to his family and community.  These events are traumatic for all involved; Mr. Peterson’s family, the officers and their families and friends.”  Said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.  “I and the City Council send our utmost compassion and care to all who have been touched by these events.”

 “And in the shadow of this loss, we must still care for our entire community”, the Mayor said.  “Destructive behavior is contrary to the goals of the City, the Vancouver Police Department and our community, and will only lead to deeper scarring in our community.“

“We in Vancouver recognize and honor the grief and frustration our community may feel in the face of a deadly use of force.” Said City Manager Eric Holmes.  “We understand that the peaceful, non-violent expression of this grief can be healthy for a community to heal from a loss.  And while this incident did not happen at the hands of an officer of the Vancovuer Police Department, destruction in our City in the name of grief works against the constructive goals Vancouver has for its police department and its service to our community.”

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