Title: San Francisco Police Release Body Camera Video of Dolores Hill Bomb Skateboarding Event Standoff
Subtitle: Over 100 people arrested or cited after intense clash between skateboarders and police officers
San Francisco, CA – In an effort to shed light on the recent Dolores Hill Bomb skateboarding event that turned into a tense showdown with authorities, San Francisco police have released body camera footage of the unpermitted gathering in the city’s Mission District.
The incident, which took place less than two weeks ago, saw officers in riot gear confronting and dispersing hundreds of skateboarders who had taken over Dolores Street. Following the event, over 100 individuals, including juveniles, were either arrested or cited.
The police department’s timeline of events reveals that officers began setting up barricades on multiple streets surrounding Dolores Park at around 4 p.m. on July 8. By 5:15 p.m., officers notified skateboarders that the event was not authorized.
Approximately an hour later, reports of firework use and acts of vandalism started to surface. At 7:07 p.m., a sergeant reported being struck in the face by a female assailant wielding a nail, followed by a firework projectile landing dangerously close to both bystanders and officers.
The recently released body camera footage captured multiple verbal warnings issued to the crowd, urging them to vacate the area. The recordings also revealed the presence of explosions, thrown fireworks, bottles hitting officers, as well as vandalism of at least one Muni train.
Law enforcement officials detained or cited 81 juveniles and 32 adults. One San Francisco resident, Lisa, expressed her concerns about her 15-year-old son being mistakenly detained while riding his scooter with friends. Lisa stated that her son and his friends had approached the police officers asking for guidance, and the officers directed them in a different direction, only for riot police to subsequently detain them.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott assured the public that an ongoing investigation into the incident is underway. Chief Scott acknowledged that some individuals might have unintentionally become involved but emphasized that multiple dispersal orders and warnings were issued throughout the event.
Parents of the detained juveniles were initially informed that charges against their children would be dropped. However, the city’s Juvenile Probation Department clarified that they are awaiting the completion of the police investigation before determining the necessary course of action.
Civil Rights attorney Rachel Lederman disclosed that she is in discussions with approximately 40 families to potentially file a class-action lawsuit against the city and the responsible commanders for the unlawful arrests and detentions.
It has been confirmed that at least one of the 32 adult cases has been dismissed. As the investigation continues, individuals involved with the Dolores Hill Bomb skateboarding event await further updates on their respective legal situations.
To access live footage of the ongoing developments surrounding the incident, please visit the ABC7 News app.