TACOMA, Wash. — There is continued fallout facing Tacoma police after a police officer drove through a crowd, leaving two people injured over the weekend.
On Saturday, Tacoma police said dispatchers started receiving calls about cars and people blocking the intersection of South Ninth and Pacific Avenue. Vehicles were reported to have been doing burnouts and doughnuts.
When officers arrived, a group surrounded one of their patrol vehicles and started banging on its windows. Investigators said the officer drove forward and hit one person and possibly others. Two people were taken to the hospital, and KIRO 7 has been told their injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening.
The incident was caught on camera.
On Sunday, dozens of protesters gathered at the same location where the incident happened.
KIRO 7 followed the crowd, and multiple fires were set in an intersection.
A few businesses across from the Pierce County courthouse were damaged
HAPPENING NOW: demonstrators have caused damage to a few businesses across from the Pierce County courthouse. Damage seems contained to a single block. Police have ordered the group to move away from the courthouse area. pic.twitter.com/QYQSXDIJXN
— Ryan Simms (@RyanKIRO7) January 25, 2021
Tacoma police said the officer involved in Saturday’s incident has been identified as Khanh Phan, who is 58 years old and has been with the department for more than 29 years. He was placed on administrative leave.
Tacoma police have now turned over the investigation to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
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