SAN DIEGO–The Sheriff’s Department and all law enforcement agencies in San Diego county Sunday issued a curfew order Sunday to restore safety in the communities.
The order was issued after demonstrations against the police killing of George Floyd turned violent in La Mesa and San Diego. Last weekend, protesters smashed windows and doors, and burned and looted businesses.
“Due to the violence and destruction we have seen at night in our region this weekend, a curfew order will go into effect for some unincorporated areas of the county beginning tonight at 8 p.m. and lasting through 5:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said in a written press release.
Authorities stated that they stand united in supporting the public’s right to express their anger and frustration over the death of George Floyd through peaceful protests.
San Diego County Sheriff’ Bill Gore released a statement:
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department supports the public’s right to free speech and assembly. We encourage the peaceful gathering of people. We respect your right to be heard.
We understand the anger and frustration over the death of a man in police custody in Minnesota last week. We condemn the actions that led to the death of George Floyd. After a quick review of facts, Minneapolis Police Department Chief Medaria Arradondo took swift action in firing the officers involved. One officer is now facing murder charges and investigations are underway on local, state and federal levels. We must now allow the justice system to run its course.
Violence and vandalism will not make this process any faster.
We are asking all who plan to protest to do so peacefully.
There is a difference between protesting and rioting. There are people at these rallies exploiting the situation to discredit those peacefully assembled by looting businesses and setting fires to buildings. When demonstrations threaten life and property, law enforcement must act to restore safety in our communities. That is why deputies came to the assistance of the City of La Mesa on Saturday, May 30th.
The situation became hostile when people started vandalizing the police station, as well as throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at La Mesa Police Officers and deputies. The rocks broke windows endangering people working inside. Several of my deputies were hit by these rocks.
La Mesa Police Officers then declared the gathering as an unlawful assembly. We made repeated announcements for the crowd to disperse, but the pelting of rocks and bricks
Areas affected by the curfew include:
• Areas around Spring Valley – Unincorporated areas east of the boundaries of the Cities of La Mesa and San Diego to State Highway 54; north and west of State Highway 54 from the boundary of the City of San Diego to the boundary of the City of El Cajon; and south of the boundary of the City of El Cajon to the west of State Highway 54.
• Areas from Lakeside north to Poway – Unincorporated areas west of State Highway 67 from the boundary of the City of Poway to Mapleview Street; areas south and west of Mapleview Street and Lake Jennings Park Road to Interstate 8; areas north of Interstate 8 from Lake Jennings Park Road to the boundary of the City of El Cajon.
All residents in these areas are urged to stay home, indoors and off the streets. Violation of the curfew order is a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail or both.
