Fresno Man Arrested For Pepper-Spraying “Peace in Palestine” Protesters Saturday

62-year-old Brian Turner. Photo: FPD.

 

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) — A man was arrested after police say he sprayed pepper spray at people protesting in Fresno over the weekend.

It happened Saturday night at a “Peace in Palestine” protest at Blackstone and Nees Avenues.

Police were called around 8:00 p.m. by somebody saying they were just sprayed with pepper spray.

When they got there, they were contacted by three people who said they were participating in the protest by driving through the intersection while displaying the national flag for Palestine.

 

“Peace in Palestine” protest at Blackstone and Nees Avenues, Saturday night. Photo: Joshua Kern/KMJ.

 

They said they came to a stop for a red light and a car stopped next to them and they told the driver to honk his horn if he supported Palestine.

They said the other driver told them he did not support Palestine and an argument began between the people in the two vehicles.

As the argument continued, one of the people got out of the first vehicle, and that when they say the man in the other vehicle began to spray all three victims with pepper spray.

The victim got back into the vehicle and they said the man sprayed the pepper spray into the vehicle and then drove off.

Detectives from the Felony Assault Unit responded to the location and conducted a follow-up investigation.

The victims were able to record the incident on a cell phone video and detectives were able to identify the suspect as 62-year-old Brian Turner of Fresno.

Turner was located at his residence nearby and placed under arrest.

He was booked into the Fresno County Jail for the charge of Assault with a Caustic Chemical.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to please contact the Fresno Police Department.

Anyone calling with information can remain completely anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP (7867).

You may also contact Fresno Police Department – Felony Assault Detective Justin Baroni at 621- 2425 with information regarding this investigation under Fresno PD Case# 21026096.