Riverside, CA — Two officers from the Riverside Police Department are facing misdemeanor vandalism charges after a video surfaced showing one of them intentionally breaking a person’s skateboard in January, according to Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.
Incident Captured on Viral Video
The incident gained public attention after a video, which has now gone viral with hundreds of thousands of views, showed a group of six officers gathered outside a residential area. The footage captured the following events:
- One officer attempted several tricks on the skateboard but failed to land any successfully.
- Four officers eventually left the scene, leaving two officers behind.
- One of the remaining officers picked up what appeared to be a mallet or axe from a nearby table and then stomped on the skateboard twice, snapping it in half.
- The second officer appeared to take a photo of the broken skateboard before both left the scene.
Official Response and Charges Filed
In response to the video, Chief Gonzalez issued a statement condemning the officers’ actions:
“Let me be clear: This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards of the Riverside Police Department. I expect every officer to uphold the integrity and professionalism that our community deserves.”
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed misdemeanor vandalism charges against the two officers involved:
- One officer has six years of service with the department.
- The other officer has served for five years.
The identities of the officers have not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Investigations and Disciplinary Action
Chief Gonzalez confirmed that both a criminal investigation and an internal investigation are underway. While the misdemeanor vandalism charges are being addressed legally, the department will determine the “appropriate course of action” following the completion of the internal review.
“I understand the concerns this has raised and appreciate our community’s patience as we have been conducting both investigations,” Gonzalez added.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The video’s rapid spread on social media has sparked outrage from community members and raised broader concerns about misconduct within the Riverside Police Department. Activists and local leaders have called for:
- Transparency in the investigation process
- Accountability for the officers involved
- Policies to prevent future incidents of officer misconduct
