San Jose police said Thursday that nine people have been indicted on charges of organizing several sideshows that have taken place in the city over the past four years.
“Arrest warrants for $200,000 each have been issued and seven of the nine suspects were taken into custody yesterday. Two remain at large and we expect to have them in custody shortly,” said San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph.
Police said the nine suspects are from Bay Area cities. Officers allege the group promoted more than two dozen sideshows using anonymous social media accounts, drawing hundreds of cars and even more spectators.
“These sideshows have resulted in eight police vehicles being attacked by participants, dozens of firearms fired and confiscated, the windows of eight police cars shattered, numerous lasers pointed at officers on the ground, and six pedestrians in our helicopter were struck by reckless drivers, resulting in serious injuries and two officers struck by participants’ vehicles,” said Chief Joseph.
Santa Clara County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay Boyarski says all nine suspects have been charged with conspiracy and could face more than five years in prison.
“I hope these consequences are so serious that someone will think twice before using our streets for their social media stunts,” Boyarski said.
The arrests come after a sideshow incident near Santana Row last summer that led to injuries to an SJPD officer and a spectator. Police said sideshow attendees were involved in that incident damaged the officer’s patrol car and prevented him from rendering aid to the injured spectator A total of seven people were arrested in connection with that side issue.
Mayor Matt Mahan thanked the police and the district attorney’s office for their work on the case and issued this warning to anyone thinking about planning more sideshows in the city.
‘This is a serious matter, you are endangering your life and others. We may not catch you, as the chef said, on the night you attend, promote or participate in a sideshow. Maybe not the day or the next week, but you will be arrested. You will be held accountable,” Mayor Mahan said.
