Olympia Critical Mass Harassed by Police

from Olympia Indymedia

Every last Friday of the month, Critical Mass rides through the streets of Olympia. Today folks got together to ride, leaving the Evergreen State College at 5:00 and reaching downtown about a half an hour later. In costumes and good spirits, waving and ringing bells, the ride started off on a positive note. In fact, it was the biggest ride ever, with rider-numbers at their highest ever. The ride, around 80 strong, reached downtown to be greeted by a number of police cars and four bike cops.

Most rides go over smoothly, but this time, presumably, a commuter tipped off the Police and they encroached on the flank of the riders. The police watched for any viable legal reason to harass riders, and ticketed several riders throughout the ride for unlawful riding styles. In response to police harassment of the ride, one rider allegedly slashed the tires of a police officer's car. As the man rode away, a cop ran after him, tackling and strangling him. He was put under arrest, and when another rider went to ask if he was okay, the rider was arrested as well.

The ride continued to the city jail, where riders spoke to the police about the arrest. After standing outside the jail, riders took off to continue the mass. Two riders were ticketed again for uncertain reasons. The ride broke up shortly after.