“Dozens Storm Shopping Plaza in San Jose’s Willow Glen Neighborhood”
Police are searching for a large group of individuals who mobbed the entrance of a parking lot in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood over the weekend.
According to witnesses, more than 100 people on bikes, ranging in age from young teens to their early 20s, took over a parking lot near Bird and Minnesota Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Some witnesses reported that the group was allegedly setting off firecrackers and smoke bombs.
John Lamantia, who was trying to enter the lot, described the scene as chaotic. “I was just fearful that they would do something to me or somebody else or my car,” he said. Lamantia added that the group was doing donuts on their bikes and blocked him from entering. While some of the teens appeared to be hanging out, others became violent.
“People were coming out of Safeway, and one lady just ran to her car with her basket because they were throwing bottles at her,” Lamantia recalled.
NBC Bay Area spoke with several other witnesses who chose to remain anonymous, citing safety concerns. They reported that the group also ran through the Safeway and a nearby liquor store, stealing items.
A pregnant woman who witnessed the incident said she was attempting to leave the area when the group began throwing rocks and other objects at her, one of which struck her in the face. Another person damaged her car, cracking her windshield and denting it.
San Jose police confirmed that multiple officers responded, and the group eventually dispersed. Authorities stated that the group had been taunting people, throwing objects, and that several individuals were hit. Police are now working to identify those involved.
“This kind of behavior isn’t good for our community. It drives people away from the businesses and makes people really anxious,” Lamantia added.
