The Columbus Division of Police is asking for the public’s help in identifying a group of people accused of surrounding and attacking a vehicle during protests and riots on May 31.
On the evening of May 31, Eldon Hawkins unwittingly drove his burgundy 2010 Buick LaCrosse into the heart of a protest at Broad and High streets and unleashed a furious response. Hawkins, 58, who has cerebral palsy, was left shaken by the experience and he said his car had more than $8,000 damage.
Video shared by Columbus Police shows the group engaging in violent behavior directed at the victim, who has cerebral palsy, and his vehicle. Police said the group also acted violently toward others who came to help the man and stop the violence.
“They threw a bicycle on my windshield and started kicking my doors and windows. It scared the life out of me,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said the police did tow his car to his house. He said it cost $8,129.29 to repair the damage.
“It’s one thing to protest but when people start breaking windows and spray painting the F word, that’s turning this beautiful city into a dive,” Hawkins said.
This is a perfect example of why you can’t stop your car when the thugs start attacking, your life is in danger of severe physical harm or death. In that case, driving off are your only escape and your car a defensive weapon that can be legally used
When another disabled, elderly, or teen driver panics and accidentally kills one of these rioters, what then? Are they going to drag from the car and beat to death? GET OUT OF THE STREETS; we all know streets are for cars only, get out of the streets.
In any case, everyone who reads this article and watches the video can help by sharing this and contacting the police. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the people in the video to call Det. Steven Nace at 614-645-2119.
Video from the attack below:
