Updated June 4, 10:19 a.m.–
Sentinel staff report– Citrus Heights police confirmed multiple arrests were made after several “isolated incidents of vandalism and looting” occurred Sunday night.
“We will continue to deploy additional resources in our community to ensure the safety of our residents and are regularly communicating with our law enforcement partners in the region,” Police Lt. Michael Wells said in an email to The Sentinel Monday afternoon. The lieutenant did not identify specific locations of the crimes, but said the incidents occurred “within the City.”
Police later posted on social media that most stolen property had been recovered, and no subsequent incidents were reported Monday or Tuesday.
Sunday night’s incidents in Citrus Heights occurred as mass protests, along with looting and vandalism, broke out in Sacramento and other cities across the nation, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. A police officer, who has since been fired, has been charged with murder in the case, after video showed the officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes while he pleaded for help and said he couldn’t breathe.
Citrus Heights City Manager Chris Boyd issued a statement Monday, which said the criminal activity in Citrus Heights was “unrelated to protests.” He said the city remains “committed to our promise of serving the Citrus Heights community with professionalism and respect, while honoring and preserving the community’s rights to free speech.”
Looting: Authorities say enhanced penalties are in effect for shoplifting, theft
Citrus Heights Councilwoman Porsche Middleton shared her thoughts on her Facebook page following Floyd’s death, saying “it is not okay.”
“We all saw what happened,” she wrote. “We must protect and provide justice for individuals, families, and communities whose lives have been torn apart by these tragic acts of violence.”
Middleton later posted Sunday morning that “violence, looting, and the destruction of property is not the answer.” She said part of the solution is “one simple word…. VOTE.”
