Post-Mehserle Verdict Protesters Heading to Trial

Three people charged with felonies in connection with violent protests in Oakland following a verdict in the Johannes Mehserle case are heading to trial.

An Alameda County judge on Monday ruled there was sufficient evidence to try 46-year-old Arthur Jackson, 28-year-old Sarah Thibault and 21-year-old Laramie Elliott on charges including burglary.

Authorities say they spotted Jackson with stolen merchandise from a Foot Locker store after the July 8 verdict. Thibault and Elliott are accused of setting a trash can on fire. Authorities say Elliott also entered a Sears store through a broken display case window while Thibault photographed her.

About 50 people wearing black masks, bandanas, hooded sweatshirts and backpacks threw rocks and bottles at the officers during the raucous protests. Looting and vandalism occurred, particularly in the 1700 blocks of Broadway and west Franklin Street, and near the intersection of west Grand Avenue and Broadway.

In addition to the Foot Locker destruction and thefts, protesters broke windows of a Subway sandwich shop and a Far East National Bank. They also pushed large trash bins into the street and set them on fire, police said.

An attorney for Jackson says police never saw him enter the store and steal. Attorneys for Thibault and Elliott say the evidence only shows their clients trespassed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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