Police in Walnut Creek are asking for the public's help in identifying people involved in a destructive protest over racial injustices this past weekend.
A statement from police said about 80 protesters dressed in dark clothing, masks and helmets vandalized buildings, signs and sidewalks with anti-law enforcement graffiti during the "No Justice, No Peace" demonstration.
Protesters set items on fire at a rowdy protest in downtown Walnut Creek on Saturday night.Walnut Creek Police Department
The group also blocked vehicles, set a flag on fire and yelled at patrons at a downtown bar at about 7 p.m. Saturday. Police said one protester assaulted staff and customers that were eating outside at Bourbon Highway on N. Main St. with pepper spray after the group was asked to leave. Another patron reportedly had a drink thrown on them during a scuffle.
Much of the graffiti left behind was visible early Sunday.
The group, called "East Bay Resistance," had shared social media posts about plans for a protest Saturday. However, the post did not include logistical information and the city was not notified beforehand.
Leftover graffiti in downtown Walnut Creek.Carrie Hodousek/KCBS Radio
"Unlike most peaceful protests, information regarding the route and number of participants was not shared with the Police Department," a Facebook post from Walnut Creek Police explained.
Anyone with information is asked to call 925-943-5875.
