17 Arrested Following Trump's Speech In Costa Mesa
COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — Seventeen people were in custody Friday after thousands of protesters clashed with motorists and police during Donald Trump's speech in Costa Mesa.
According to police, the suspects were arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse from the area along with other charges.
The group of around 3,000 protesters gathered by 8:30 p.m. Thursday outside the parking lot of the Orange County Fair & Event Center.
Many held "Dump the Trump" signs to protest against the Republican presidential front-runner.
Demonstrators spilled into the streets near Fair Drive and Fairview Drive, blocking traffic in several intersections.
As a result, protesters smashed a window on a police cruiser and punctured the tires on a police SUV.
Others were seen throwing rocks at motorists and attacking police officers.
A man who exited his vehicle wound up with a bloodied face, CBS2's Kara Finnstrom reported. He sustained bruises to his legs and ribs, and had to have six stitches.
Many Trump supporters were unable to get inside to see the candidate's speech due to the large crowd outside the venue.