Demonstrators Clash With Police Over Anaheim Fatal Shootings

SANTA ANA (CBS) — Hundreds of police officers dressed in riot gear tried to control a large group of demonstrators outside Anaheim City Hall on Tuesday evening.

One man was thrown down and arrested after he allegedly threw a rock at police.

Demonstrators were seen throwing bottles and traffic cones at vehicles.

Some people in the crowd wanted a peaceful demonstration, but others were chanting, swearing and yelling at police officers.

The demonstration comes after two fatal officer involved shootings that  took place over the weekend in Anaheim.

“We want a peaceful demonstration, but when the cops are pushing us off because they want to show that they have control then they start hitting us with their batons,” one demonstrator told CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter  Louisa Hodge.

“They hit a woman when we were just standing there voicing our opinion,” he said.

On Saturday, Manuel Diaz, whom police described as a documented gang member from Santa Ana, was approached by officers around 4 p.m. on the 600 block of North Anna Drive. Police said Diaz, 25, and his two companions ran off, but an officer caught up to Diaz, and the officer wound up shooting him. Diaz died at a hospital about 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Anaheim police fatally shot 21-year-old Joel Mathew Acevedo at the end of a stolen-car pursuit. Acevedo, also described as a gang memberby police, allegedly fired at officers before being fatally shot.

The family of a Diaz announced Monday plans to file a $50 million legal claim and accompanying lawsuit against the city alleging he was shot first in the back, then in the head when he fell to his knees. Diana Lopez, an attorney for the Diaz family, said a $50 million lawsuit was being filed in Orange County Superior Court, alleging civil right.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait said Monday he was “very, very concerned with what occurred in our city on Saturday night.” The mayor asked the state Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help investigate the shooting.

Related:

Anaheim Residents Hold Vigil, Demand Answers Following Deadly Shooting

Gunman Killed In Second Fatal Anaheim Officer-Involved Shooting In 2 Days

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