SANTA ANA (CNS) - Several protests were launched or planned today in Orange County on the day of a memorial for George Floyd, whose death in custody sparked national outrage.
About 100 to 150 protesters amassed in Anaheim's Center Street Promenade Thursday morning in a “very small, completely peaceful'' gathering, said Anaheim police Sgt. Shane Carringer.
Another protest began in Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley Thursday afternoon, and a vigil was being held in front of Irvine's city hall.
Another protest is planned at the Outlets at Orange in the city of Orange at 5 p.m.
Protests in Orange County on Wednesday were largely peaceful, apart from a man who was accused of striking a bicyclist with his car in Newport Beach as well as another man who is suspected of brandishing a weapon during one of several rallies in the city.
Police have identified a suspect accused of waving a gun at a protester near 30th Street and Newport Boulevard just before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Heather Rangel, a spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department. Police have not made an arrest in the ongoing investigation, she added.
The suspect and a protester got into a ``verbal altercation'' before he allegedly pulled out a gun from his backpack and then ran away, Rangel said.
Anyone who has information relevant for detectives on the case were asked to call Det. Rick Henry at 949-644-3797, rhendry@nbpd.org.
Don Wallace, who is in his 50s and resides in Newport Beach, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly struck a bicyclist at one of the protests in his Mini Cooper. He was booked in Newport Beach's jail and posted bail and was released, Rangel said.
A protest in Garden Grove drew 3,000 people, but there were no incidents and police praised the protesters.
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