By Khalida Sarwari
There have been roughly 85 disruptive and criminal activities in Santa Cruz allegedly associated with the ‘Occupy Santa Cruz’ encampment during the past month, the sheriff’s office announced today.
The disruptive incidents include fights, an assault on a maintenance worker, thefts, drug use, vandalism, and restroom flooding in and around the Santa Cruz County Government Center, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incidents also include harassment, public drunkenness, urination and defecation, bathing in public sinks, use of and damage to power outlets, and camping outside permitted areas.
The sheriff’s office released a statement today saying that since Oct. 6 deputies have distributed notices of unlawful lodging, issued citations, and made several arrests on the courthouse steps where the protesters assemble.
“The Sheriff’s Office supports the rights of freedom of speech and assembly,” the statement read.
It went on to say that the office recognizes “there are individuals who have opportunistically associated themselves with ‘Occupy Santa Cruz’ as cover for criminal and anti-social behavior.”
