SAN JOSE – Police in San Jose have announced at least one arrest after a sideshow near Santana Row last weekend that turned a crowd unruly and injured two people, including a police officer.
The incident happened on Winchester Boulevard on Saturday around 7 p.m. San Jose police said a reserve officer was detained in the area after a person was struck by a driver participating in the sideshow.
When the officer tried to help, onlookers damaged the officer’s patrol car, preventing him from rendering aid to the injured bystander, police said. The officer was slightly injured.
Police said the crowd dispersed before additional officers arrived.
“This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city,” Acting Police Chief Paul Joseph said in a statement Sunday. “It is truly deplorable to see one of our officers attacked by an out-of-control mob while assisting a seriously injured person!”
Joseph added that the department would make “every effort to identify and arrest all those involved.”
In an update Monday afternoon, police announced the arrest of 24-year-old Aidan Rehault in connection with the side case. Police allege Rheault was the driver who struck the spectator with his vehicle.
Rheault was booked into jail on suspicion of hit-and-run and reckless driving.
Police said they continue to search for suspects in the attack on the officer and the vandalism of the patrol vehicle.
“Our message is loud and clear: these dangerous side issues have no place in our city and we will continue to do everything we can until all those responsible are held accountable,” the department said in a post on social media, which also included photos of the Rheault were on display. taken into custody and his vehicle towed.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact San Jose police.
