Hollywood And Vine Protest And Police Clash Marks Breonna Taylor Death Anniversary

A crowd estimated at 200 people gathered at the world-famous intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street Saturday night to mark the anniversary of Louisville, Ky. resident Breonna Taylor’s death in a police drug raid.

One demonstrator jumped on a police car, police formed a skirmish line and deployed tear gas, and reports of vandalism were the fruits of the demonstration, which called for justice in the Taylor death. Her family received a $12 million settlement from Louisville, but none of the police officers face criminal charges in the incident, which triggered nationwide protests.

UPDATE: Los Angeles police released more information on Saturday’s confrontation with demonstrators in Hollywood.

“The group was dressed in all black clothing and was equipped with various weapons such as pepper spray, smoke grenades, metal batons, and brass knuckles.  They were also equipped with helmets, bullet-resistant vests, gas masks, and makeshift shields. Suspects within the group began to spray paint walls with graffiti, broke the windows to businesses, and ignited trash can fires.

As LAPD officers began making arrests of individuals for their criminal acts, officers were attacked with thrown metal objects, setting off smoke grenades, flashing strobe lights, and in one instance an individual jumped onto a police vehicle while stomping on the hood and windshield.

Three officers were treated for the following injuries:

1. Laceration to the hand after being struck by a computer thrown by a protestor.

2. Ear damage as a result of a protestor detonating a smoke grenade immediately next to an officer.

3. Knee injury as a result of a fall during a foot pursuit.

One protestor was treated for injuries sustained during a use of force and is in custody for ADW on a police officer.

Nine businesses were vandalized (broken windows and signs).

A total of 10 protestors were arrested for the following charges:

The Hollywood protests came a day after Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who was in their apartment when police raided it and exchanged gunfire, filed a federal lawsuit against the Louisville Metro Police Department, alleging his constitutional rights were violated.

The protesters in Hollywood were ordered to dispersed after launching rocks and bottles at police. The busy intersection area was cleared by 1 AM. The area is home to the Pantages Theater, Capitol Records, and several busy restaurants, bars and nightclubs.