3 people arrested during occupation of Highland Street – NBC Los Angeles

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has arrested three people in connection with a series of street robberies in Highland.

About 100 people took part in a street occupation on Victoria Avenue and Highland Avenue shortly after midnight.

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy was surrounded as he tried to disperse the crowd. Cellphone footage released by Highland Police shows several people kicking and punching the deputy, eventually breaking the windshield.

Among those arrested was a 15-year-old from Menifee who was charged with attempted auto theft and vandalism. According to police, the teen opened the officer’s door and attempted to steal the patrol car.

According to police, the officer managed to close the door and drive away from the crowd.

The second street takeover occurred two hours earlier at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Tippecanoe Avenue. Two people were arrested and later released.

“These individuals are not afraid of the police, which is very disturbing,” said Gloria Huerta of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “If you participate in something like this, whether you’re a spectator or you’re riding in one of these vehicles, you either get caught and go to jail or you hurt someone and go to jail – or you hurt yourself… it’s just not worth it.”

Residents also stressed the danger of street occupations.

“I don’t see the point in it. It can cause accidents, it can kill someone,” said Highland resident Francisco Ramirez.