Protest in Oxnard Wednesday leaves damage to city property, vandalism to businesses

City property was damaged and some downtown businesses were vandalized  in Oxnard after a protest Wednesday over the in-custody death of George Floyd, authorities said. 

Ventura County's most populous city is one of many across the country where people have taken to the streets calling for justice. Floyd, a black man, died in Minneapolis police custody as a white officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck as he lay handcuffed on the ground. 

About 350 people marched to the Oxnard police station from Plaza Park about 5 p.m. Wednesday. They were peaceful as they protested through downtown Oxnard. At one point they marched on Oxnard Boulevard, blocking traffic, and stopped in the Five Points area, police said. 

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A smaller group of about 100 to 150, broke off and did another march to the police station then back to Plaza Park, Oxnard police said. Traffic on the Third Street bridge was affected during the march, and officers saw a person vandalizing the station with spray paint. That person was later arrested, authorities said. 

Graffiti was later found on the pagoda at Plaza Park. Motorists also drove on the lawn, tearing it up and endangering some pedestrians, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Oxnard Police Department. 

“The Oxnard Police Department’s intent is to allow demonstrators to peacefully exercise their right to free speech and assembly. We’re here to protect those rights. Our intent was not to have any confrontations with the demonstrators," Police Chief Scott Whitney said in a statement. 

"Unfortunately, there was a small number of them that wanted to cause problems. We are grateful for the many community members, from many various backgrounds, that stepped forward to make sure the problems were minimized." 

One of the vehicles that drove on the lawn drove away and crashed into another vehicle before fleeing the scene. No one was hurt and the suspect vehicle has been impounded.

The driver, identified as David Sanchez, 27, of Oxnard, was arrested about 3:45 p.m. Thursday. He was booked into Ventura County jail on suspicion of felony evading, misdemeanor hit-and-run, misdemeanor reckless driving and driving without a license, jail records state. 

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Police officers responded to the scene and people in the crowd threw rocks and bottles at them. None of the officers was hurt but police vehicles were damaged, officials said. 

Graffiti was also found in downtown Oxnard on private and public property, including the police station. Authorities are reviewing evidence for additional arrests of people involved in criminal activity. 

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Megan Diskin is a courts and breaking news reporter with The Star. Reach her at megan.diskin@vcstar.com or 805-437-0258.