Protests in Tacoma after officer drove into crowd
Protests erupted in Tacoma, Washington overnight, a day after a police car plowed through a group of pedestrians, knocking several people to the pavement and, according to police, sending 2 people to the hospital.
The video showed the vehicle ramming into a crowd of approximately 20 to 30 people that surrounded it.
The dramatic incident, captured on camera Saturday night, came after police responded to reports of drag racers in the Washington city’s downtown.
Tacoma Police spokeswoman Wendy Haddow told local media the crowd began pounding on the vehicle’s window and that the officer sped away from the scene for his own safety, fearing they would break his glass.
Tacoma police said the officer, who was placed on administrative leave, is 58 years old and has been with the department for nearly 30 years.
The case has been turned over to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, according to a statement.
Protestors could be seen on Sunday night marching through the streets chanting 'Black lives matter' and blocking roads.
Some set fires near where the incident occurred and one video showed protesters burning an American flag.
