California teen arrested after violent swarm hits, kicks deputy's car

SAN BERNADINO COUNTY, Calif. — A teenager was arrested after a crowd of youths swarmed a deputy's patrol car earlier this month, kicking and punching the vehicle before the deputy cannot leave, the California Sheriff's Office said this week.

The 15-year-old man allegedly opened the driver's door of the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department vehicle and attempted “to pass the deputy and his patrol unit,” according to a statement released Thursday. The juvenile was arrested at his Menifee home on suspicion of attempted carjacking and felony vandalism.

The deputy was able to close the door and walk away from the encounter shortly after midnight on May 11. Video footage obtained by detectives shows an unruly mob punching the deputy's window and kicking the vehicle, leaving its windshield cracked.

About 100 people had gathered at the Highland intersection for an illegal street takeover, and someone had opened a fire hydrant so vehicles could skid more easily, the sheriff's office said in his press release.

Gloria Huerta, a department spokeswoman, said the deputy's decision to leave was likely the safest choice.

“These individuals are not afraid of law enforcement and their behavior is very worrying,” she said.

Highland is approximately 55 miles (88 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.