Man arrested after allegedly attacking audience member at San Jose sideshow, police say – NBC Bay Area

San Jose police have arrested a man who allegedly attacked an audience member during a weekend sideshow, the police department said Monday.

The incident occurred on Saturday in the area of ​​Winchester Boulevard and Olin Avenue.

In a social media post Monday, the SJPD said they had arrested 24-year-old Aidan Rheault. They added that Rheault was the “individual responsible for striking a spectator with his vehicle while participating in a dangerous sideshow.”

Rheault was taken to jail on charges of hit-and-run and reckless driving, police said.

In addition to the spectator, San Jose police are still searching for a group of people who attacked a patrol car and a reserve officer at the same sideshow.

According to San Jose police, the officer was stopped and took care of the spectator who was hit.

As the officer attempted to reach the victim, his car was overrun by a group of people and prevented from rendering aid, according to a social media post by Deputy Police Chief Paul Joseph.

“It is truly unfortunate that one of our officers was attacked by an out-of-control mob while attempting to assist a seriously injured individual,” Joseph said. “Rest assured that we will make every effort to identify and arrest all those involved.”

The officer suffered minor injuries in the attack, but the patrol car was badly damaged, Joseph said.

“Investigators continue to work diligently to identify the other suspects involved in the assault on our officer and the reckless vandalism of our patrol car. Our message is loud and clear: these dangerous sideshows have no place in our city and we will continue to make every effort until all those responsible are held accountable,” San Jose police said in a statement Monday.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan released the following statement on X on Monday:

“Aidan (Rheault) threatened lives this weekend for joyriding. Thanks to @SanJosePD, he will be held accountable – as will everyone who planned, participated in, or encouraged this dangerous event.

If you go to San Jose to take part in a sideshow, you will be taken home on a bus or handcuffed to jail. Because in San Jose, not only is it illegal to take part in and promote sideshows, but also to watch them.”