Several groups gathered throughout the City of Frederick on Thursday evening to exercise their First Amendment rights. The Frederick Police Department monitored these events to ensure the safety of all involved. Most participants demonstrated peacefully and with respect for the law and we thank those individuals and organizations for honoring that responsibility.
However, one group chose to cross the line from lawful demonstration into criminal conduct. Instead of engaging in lawful expression, they turned to aggression, destruction, and outright criminal behavior.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to the area of Fourth Street and N. Market Street for a report of a group of approximately 20 individuals wearing all black striking passing vehicles with umbrellas, endangering motorists and escalating tensions. Several of these individuals were also wearing protective goggles and gas masks, a tactic commonly used by protestors anticipating confrontation or preparing to engage in unlawful activity while avoiding identification or the effects of crowd control measures. As officers attempted to deescalate the situation, several individuals responded by assaulting law enforcement officers. One officer was struck in the head with an object thrown by a protester while another officer was struck in the groin with a metal pole. Three members of this protest group were immediately taken into custody.
Two individuals are being charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, and the third is being charged with [insert charge].
Officers recovered fireworks, laser pointers, spray paint, and other tools commonly used to destroy property or interfere with police. A nearby window was also discovered shattered. The nature of the items recovered, along with the coordinated behavior of these protesters, clearly indicates this group arrived with the intent to commit crimes; not to peacefully protest.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right we will always protect,” said Chief Jason Lando. “But when individuals show up with a plan to assault officers and damage property, and bring the tools to commit those acts, that’s not protected speech, that’s a crime. We will not tolerate violent or destructive behavior in our city, and anyone who puts our community or our officers at risk will be held accountable.”
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information, photos, or video related to this incident is encouraged to contact FPD at 301-600-2102. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 301-600-TIPS (8477) or emailing fpdcrimetip@frederickmdpolice.org.
Individuals Arrested and Charged:
Joseph Eastwood (DOB: 11/11/1990) Frederick Resident
Obstructing and HinderingRiotDisturbing the Peace / Hindering PassageDisorderly ConductFailure to Obey a Lawful OrderAssault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x1)
Andromeda Weir (DOB: 2/9/1999) Frederick Resident
Obstructing and HinderingRiotDisturbing the Peace / Hindering PassageDisorderly ConductFailure to Obey a Lawful Order
Joshua Louis Gainey (DOB: 9/13/1985) Frederick Resident
Obstructing and HinderingRiotDisturbing the Peace / Hindering PassageDisorderly ConductFailure to Obey a Lawful OrderAssault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x3)
Jayla Maddison Draghici (DOB: 1/15/2000) Frederick Resident
Obstructing and HinderingRiotDisturbing the Peace / Hindering PassageDisorderly ConductFailure to Obey a Lawful OrderAssault in the Second Degree on Law Enforcement Officer (x1)