The SCPD has asked the FBI to help it investigate the May Day riot, which left downtown with $100,000 in damages. They explained that the event may have been used by a local anarchist group to provide “political and physical” cover for its intended activities, which, police claim, were carefully coordinated.
As evidence, they cite the anonymous fliers announcing the event, which were distributed downtown and on the UCSC campus. Indications of the organizers’ true intentions were found in phrases like “a truly sick night of mayhem,” and “kick it, eat, drink, dance, take over.” The term “dance party” is reportedly commonly used at UCSC as code for anarchist activity. Kathy Agnone, the city’s Events Coordinator, claims that she immediately picked up on the language being used and posted a comment on the May Day event’s website, asking the organizers to register the event with her. She did not, however, inform the police of her concerns. Story continues after slideshow. Photos by Curtis Cartier.
According to Police Chief Howard Skerry, another indicator of the event’s careful planning was two 911 calls that were received that night reporting shooting incidents in other parts of the city. He believes that the calls were intended to divert police from the downtown event.
Two people have been arrested in the incident. Jimi Haynes, 24, from Fresno County, has been charged with felony vandalism. Thomas Williams, 41, of Santa Cruz, has been charged with obstructing the police and public drunkenness.
Read More at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
