7 people arrested for vandalizing a San Jose police car and injuring an officer during a sideshow – NBC Bay Area

San Jose police announced Monday the arrest of seven people suspected of damaging a patrol car and injuring a police officer during a recent sideshow.

The incident occurred in June when the officer responded to reports of an injured person at an illegal sideshow.

A video showed more than half a dozen people, some masked, pounding on the patrol car while the officer sat inside.

Among those arrested was 20-year-old Matthew Nolan of San Mateo, who prosecutors said was seen kicking the windshield of the patrol car, injuring the officer.

“If you attack a San Jose police officer while trying to help an injured person so you can become famous on TikTok, it is possible that you will escape consequences for hours or days, but rest assured that we will find and arrest you,” said Acting San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph.

The arrests also included one of the sideshow drivers and a juvenile. The suspects hail from various cities, including Salinas, San Francisco and even Yucca, Arizona. All now face felony charges.

“These defendants wanted to put something online, to be part of something viral and sensational,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. “They wanted attention. And they got it.”

“We are sending a clear message: Whether you live here or cross city, county or state lines to commit a crime, we will find you and hold you accountable,” added San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

Currently, San Jose can impound a car involved in a sideshow for 30 days. Police can also cite someone for simply watching the illegal shows.

According to police, detectives are now using technology to identify those involved in a sideshow and, after evaluating all the evidence, make arrests days or weeks later.

Investigators said they are also working on a region-wide effort and hope to one day form a Bay Area task force to more effectively combat the problem.

“If they could attack a uniformed officer like that, what could they do to everyone else?” Joseph said.