Other demonstrations in the city were peaceful while 20 people turned violent on 4th Street and North Market Street.
(photos courtesy Frederick Police Department)
FREDERICK, MD (JK) –
A protest in downtown Frederick turned violent Thursday evening, resulting in four arrests and multiple charges, including assault on law enforcement officers.
According to the Frederick Police Department Facebook Page, several groups gathered across the city to exercise their First Amendment rights. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, and authorities expressed appreciation to those who protested lawfully.
However, one group of approximately 20 individuals escalated tensions near Fourth Street and North Market Street around 8:45 p.m. Police say members of the group, dressed in black and some wearing protective goggles and gas masks, began striking passing vehicles with umbrellas, endangering motorists and disrupting public order.
When officers attempted to intervene and deescalate the situation, several protesters allegedly responded with violence. One officer was struck in the head by a thrown object, and another was hit in the groin with a metal pole. Officers recovered various items from the scene, including fireworks, laser pointers, spray paint, and other objects believed to be intended for property damage or interference with police.
A nearby window was also found shattered.
“This group arrived not to protest, but to commit crimes,” said Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando. “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right we will always protect. But assaulting officers and damaging property is not protected speech-it’s criminal behavior, and we will not tolerate it.”
The four arrested individuals, all Frederick residents, face multiple charges:
Joseph Eastwood (DOB: 11/11/1990) – Charged with obstructing and hindering, riot, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order, and one count of second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer.
Andromeda Weir (DOB: 2/9/1999) – Charged with obstructing and hindering, riot, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and failure to obey a lawful order.
Joshua Louis Gainey (DOB: 9/13/1985) – Charged with obstructing and hindering, riot, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order, and three counts of second-degree assault on law enforcement officers.
Jayla Maddison Draghici (DOB: 1/15/2000) – Charged with obstructing and hindering, riot, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order, and one count of second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional charges are possible. Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or video related to the incident to contact Frederick Police at 301-600-2102. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 301-600-TIPS (8477) or emailing [email protected].
By Jimmy Key