GLENDALE, Ariz. — Three people, including two minors, have been arrested in connection with an immigration protest in Glendale that escalated into violence and destruction earlier this month, according to the Glendale Police Department.
A 20-year-old man was charged with endangerment, disorderly conduct, and reckless driving for his role in the protest on February 2.
Two 16-year-old boys were also arrested and charged with vehicle theft, burglary, and rioting. Police said their arrests were made after investigators linked them to the protest through their social media accounts.
Damage and Chaos During Protest
The demonstration, which took place near 67th Avenue and Camelback Road, began peacefully but later spiraled into chaos as the crowd grew to more than 1,000 people.
The suspects are accused of participating in acts of vandalism and destruction, including:
- Damaging multiple vehicles, including five Glendale Police patrol cars — with broken windows, slashed tires,and body dents.
- Stealing a patrol vehicle, which one of the 16-year-olds briefly drove before abandoning it.
- Setting fire to a large storage container behind a local business complex.
- Damaging civilian vehicles and area businesses.
In addition, police said the 20-year-old suspect was caught on video doing donuts in his car at a nearby intersection as the protest escalated.
Protest Turns Violent as Crowd Swells
Initially peaceful, the protest became unruly around 7:30 p.m. when demonstrators took over the intersection, lighting fireworks and blocking traffic.
By 8 p.m., police had closed the intersection in all directions. However, tensions continued to rise as some protesters began throwing rocks, concrete chunks, and glass bottles at officers.
Nearby businesses were forced to have employees shelter in place as the unrest intensified.
Around 10:15 p.m., police deployed chemical agents to disperse the crowd. Within 20 minutes, the intersection was cleared.
Investigation Ongoing
The Glendale Police Department is continuing its investigation into the protest and said more arrests could follow as they review surveillance footage and social media evidence.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Glendale police.
