The San Luis Obispo Police Department is requesting multiple charges be filed against protest organizer Tianna Arata.
The 20-year-old was arrested on the evening of July 21, following a Black Lives Matter protest and march in San Luis Obispo.
At one point during that protest, demonstrators blocked Highway 101 in both directions. Police said Arata was responsible for leading the march and claimed that several acts of vandalism had occurred at the hands of protesters.
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office says it received the police department's investigation late Wednesday and will be reviewing the case.
Police are reportedly requesting charges of false imprisonment, conspiracy, inciting a riot, engaging in an unlawful assembly, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.
Several protests have followed Arata's arrest, with protesters calling for charges against her to be dropped. A Change.org petition was also created demanding that the district attorney not pursue charges against Arata, a Gofundme page has raised more than $26,000 for her legal costs, and her supporters have been urging others to email District Attorney Dan Dow and other county leaders.
The DA's Office says, "It is anticipated that decision on whether criminal charges should be filed, and if so what charges, will be made well in advance of the scheduled appearance date."
