Allegations of Misconduct by Santa Cruz City Police

Farmer's Market Mayhem - The peaceful gathering of drummers near the downtown farmer's market was shattered by the unprovoked arrest of a female drummer.

Police arrived at the drum circle in the City Parking Lot at Cedar and Cathart at approximately 4:15. Officer Cline (Badge # 189) grabbed an unidentified female drummer, wrestled her to the ground and placed handcuffs on her. He then placed her into the back seat of a police car. Officer Cline then got into the driver's seat of the car. Mr. Jack Myreng, Jr. was walking with his bicycle with a trailer and was in front of the police car. Mr. Myreng, Jr was moving his bike and cart out of the path of the car as the car was moving forward. The left front tire of the police car drove onto the left tire of the bike cart.

Mr. Myreng, Jr. and witnesses yelled at the car to stop and the driver's window rolled down slightly. Officer Cline backed up the police car, waited for the cart to clear his path and then left the scene.

Mr. Myreng, Jr. approached Officer Hoppe (Badge #150) who was standing nearby next to his bicycle. Officer Hoppe asked Mr. Myreng, Jr. to come with him and proceeded to lead him to the Greyhound parking lot on Pacific Avenue. At least three police cars and ten police officers were assembled in the Greyhound lot.

Witness to the apparent hit and run, Angela Flynn, came upon the scene and offered to give testimony. Officer Hoppe took the report, but refused to report it as an alleged hit and run. He filed a claim for Mr. Myenberg, Jr. Mr. Myreng, Jr.'s bicycle trailer left wheel was bent away from the frame and Officer Hoppe took photos of the trailer. When asked why Officer Hoppe did not arrest Officer Cline for the alleged hit and run, Officer Hoppe replied that he could not legally arrest someone on a misdemeanor charge that he did not witness.

Mr. Myreng, Jr. reports that he has suffered mental trauma from the experience as he now fears that he may be a target for local police.