Message from Chief of Police Rob Handy:
Good afternoon. I would like to address yesterday’s protest, and provide information for our community about many of the topics surrounding not just our City, but our State and Nation.
We initially became aware of a planned protest scheduled for Sunday on Friday, May 29. We immediately began working on a comprehensive plan for a peaceful protest with various contingency plans if things became violent. The planning included constructive conversations with the organizer of the event, and we especially wanted to take into consideration the many emotions associated with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
It is extremely important for us to not let the actions of a few police officers stain the entire profession. These isolated incidents of bad conduct by officers should not tarnish the good work done during millions of contacts made by police officers in this country every year. We understand people’s emotions are high, however, and we hoped to allow for a peaceful protest for those people to be heard.
Beginning early on Sunday, May 31, we started to see pockets of protesters gathering throughout our downtown area. Our staff found various improvised weapons and instruments of vandalism stashed throughout downtown. Things such as chunks of concrete, pipes, sticks and cinder blocks with makeshift handles were being stored and hidden in and amongst our businesses.
Protesters started gathering near the Pier around 9:30 am, and by 11 am, a large crowd of several hundred people gathered at Pier Plaza. They peacefully protested at that location without incident until approximately 1 pm.
Just before 1 pm, as the group of protesters moved into the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, numerous fights broke out. Protesters used mace or pepper spray and brandished weapons. Some of the weapons included a police style baton and a hammer. Our officers quickly mobilized into place and an unlawful assembly was declared at 1 pm.
As officers attempted to disperse the crowds, we issued repeated warnings to attempt to move the crowd using a police line. When the dozens of warnings failed to get the crowd off PCH, officers utilized chemical agents on the people who refused to move off the highway.
The crowd then split off into various smaller groups and moved throughout the downtown area while continuing to protest. We had several more assaults occur during this time. At about 6:30 pm, after being unable to completely disperse the crowd who continued to move around the downtown area, the City of Huntington Beach established a curfew for 8 pm until 5:30 am.
Numerous warnings were given regarding the curfew before officers started making arrests, and by 9:30 pm, most of the downtown area was quiet and people complied with the curfew.
In total, we had 20 arrests for various violations related to the protests. Our detectives will be reviewing multiple forms of video evidence to investigate and prosecute cases related to the protest. We know there were assaults and other criminal activity that went unreported, and we also know many of our officers had bottles, rocks and other objects thrown at them. If you have video of any criminal activity, please submit it using this link: https://HBPDCA.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/may31protest.
Finally, as the Chief of Police, I could not be more proud of the men and women of the Huntington Beach Police Department. Their combined professionalism, patience, skill and endurance were outstanding. I am humbled to be a part of their team.
I am also grateful for our amazing Huntington Beach community. Many people came out to support our businesses and keep people from vandalizing our city. The support shown for each other, our businesses and for our officers was (and continues to be) incredible. I am so proud to live and work in such a great community. Thank you Huntington Beach.
Photo courtesy of Joe Katchka.
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We are excited to share that our Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Catherine Lukehart, was recently a recipient of the Mayor’s Award! Catherine was hired by the Huntington Beach Police Department in 2015 to focus her expertise on the increasing homeless issue in our city. Catherine’s strong sense of community and faith-based volunteer work led her to collaborate with local stakeholders to develop a network of resources and support aimed at serving the homeless population. Catherine’s robust network developed a dedicated group of community supporters when she created the Reaching Out Newsletter, which informs the public of the city’s efforts and individual outreach needs.
Today, the Homeless Task Force has grown to include four Homeless Task Force officers and three case managers, along with Catherine’s institutional knowledge and experience laying the framework for the team’s growth and success. Her creative approach, leadership and advocacy has been an amazing resource not only for individuals experiencing homelessness, but for the community at large and the Homeless Task Force team members.
The Huntington Beach Police Department is extremely grateful for Catherine’s dedication and commitment throughout these years. Catherine will be stepping down from her role at the end of the month and she will dedicate herself full-time to practice law from her office in Santa Ana. Congratulations on the City Mayor’s Award and your future endeavors!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department family and community. RIP Deputy Thomas Albanese.
LASD PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, 41, was killed in an unfortunate traffic collision at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in the City of Lakewood.
Deputy Albanese was traveling northbound on Paramount Blvd., approaching Del Amo, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle ahead of him. As Deputy Albanese entered the intersection, he was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on Del Amo Boulevard. The force of the collision was extreme, and Deputy Albanese died instantly.
Deputy Albanese was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department. He started his career with the Sheriff's Department as a Security Assistant in 2013 in the Aero Bureau. In 2015, he took an oath of office to serve his duties as a peace officer faithfully and was assigned to Men's Central Jail. He went to patrol at Transit Services Bureau and then transferred to Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.
Deputy Albanese's last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy but was working overtime at the Lakewood Station when the tragic accident occurred.
In addition to his short but impressive career with the Sheriff's Department, Deputy Albanese was part of the Marine Corps, serving from March 2001 through March 2010. He served four tours in Iraq and was highly decorated.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Thomas touched the lives of many people while working in the Department. He received several commendations for his work in patrol and helping the citizens of Los Angeles County.”
Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and his two young boys. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Family.
A safety reminder from the HBPD Traffic Bureau.
