Two men are charged after investigators say they attacked officers during this week’s Homeland Security Investigations raid at the Zipps near Old Town Scottsdale, which was part of a 15-location operation.
According to authorities, 38-year-old Matthew Edward Drake and Phoenix Michael Jefferson Waits were among around 100 demonstrators at the sports grill at Miller and Camelback roads on Monday evening, while HSI officers searched the establishment and detained several people. Scottsdale police were present to keep the gathering under control.
When an HSI transport van attempted to leave the parking lot, scores of demonstrators ringed it, preventing the driver from leaving.
Waits stepped in front of the van, so officers forcibly removed him. After being transported, he hit an officer in the face, according to authorities.
Another officer was attempting to detain another protester when Drake “violently” shoved him in the back, according to court documents. According to court records, the officer stumbled over a police bicycle and nearly fell.
Police reported that the officer felt a “pop” in his left shoulder and “immediate pain.”
Drake fled the officers and raced into the parking lot crowd. A short time later, he tossed something with “unknown liquid” inside at officers, according to court filings.
Officers retaliated by firing pepperballs into the crowd. Drake hid behind some parked automobiles. According to police, detectives saw him standing in the middle of traffic on Camelback Road, feeling the effects of the pepperballs. However, he finally left the area.
On Wednesday, officers say they apprehended Drake near 26th Street and McDowell Road.
During a police interview, investigators told Drake they saw him at the protest, and he said, “You were there?” before leaving, according to court documents. He admits to being there and removed his shirt to reveal where he had been attacked with pepperballs.
He was charged with two felony charges of aggravated assault against a first responder and four misdemeanors, including disorderly behavior, littering, and impeding law enforcement operations. His bond was set at $1000.
Arizona’s family has contacted the courts to request Waits’ documentation.
Leave a Reply