July
30, 2020
For
weeks, in response to community concerns, on-going illegal activity, and health
concerns, a city-wide task force has been educating and engaging people who
have been occupying the area in and around the Circle at Monument and Allen
avenues.
Today,
at approximately 8a.m., as the city attempted to get people to comply with the
state and city ordinances that govern activities in that public area, RPD
officers were assaulted. Several felony arrests were made.
For
more than 60 days, the area in an around the circle has been occupied by
demonstrators, some in violation of ordinances. They have set up tents, taken
electrical power, engaged in commerce without permits, displayed videos and
played loud music.
In
response to concerns a task force was formed to deal with the issues. Included
are the following departments:
·
Public
Works
·
Public
Utilities
·
Health
·
Taxation
·
Social
Services
·
Code
Enforcement
·
Child
Protective Services
·
Parks
and Recreation
·
Richmond
Fire Department
·
Richmond
Police Department
In
addition, other non-profit agencies were recruited to provide addition
resources. They have been meeting with those present in a holistic approach to
provide services to those in need.
Previously,
individuals were given the opportunity to correct the illegal actions.
When
RPD Officers removed illegal items they were assaulted.
Justin
Killough and Kadia Taylor have each been charged with assault on a law
enforcement officer. Their booking photos will be available at a later
time.
RPD
officers suffered minor injuries. One individual present was treated for a
medical condition. Pepper spray was deployed and a conducted electrical device
was used by officers in response to the assaults.
