Investigators call attack on sheriff's car during street takeover in Highland 'disturbing' as 15-year-old faces charges

HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) — A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy was attacked by a violent mob of teenagers and young adults during an illegal street takeover in Highland.

It happened Saturday, May 11, shortly after midnight, at the intersection of Highland and Victoria avenues.

This happened as around 100 people gathered in the area to take control of the street. A person opened a fire hydrant to flood the intersection, making it easier for cars to drift. The officer was able to walk away from the scene and remained unharmed.

Cellphone video of the incident obtained by detectives shows more than a dozen people kicking and punching the deputy's patrol vehicle.

The sheriff's department said one of the people tried to open the door and may have tried to pass the deputy and his vehicle.

“When I saw this video, I immediately put myself in the congressman's shoes and wondered how he was going to get through this,” said spokeswoman Gloria Huerta, who said the congressman's decision moving away from the scene rather than taking on the violent crowd could have prevented an encounter with deadly force.

“I think he made the best choice by simply stepping aside for his own safety. These individuals are not afraid of law enforcement and their behavior is very concerning.”

“They really open themselves up to an encounter with deadly force, and sometimes that force is deadly.”

Huerta said one of the most surprising things about this violent encounter is that one of the suspects is a 15-year-old boy from Menifee.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant and took him into custody around 6:30 a.m. Thursday at his home on charges of attempted carjacking and misdemeanor vandalism.

“It’s very disturbing to know that 15-year-olds are running outside in the middle of the night without supervision,” Huerta said.