People's Park Activist Released After Arrest, Reflects on Experience

Nick Alexander, a long-time advocate for the preservation of People's Park in Berkeley, was arrested on August 18 on suspicion of vandalism, assault and battery on a peace officer, but was released a day later. As reported by Berkeleyside, Alexander was held on an $85,000 bail, which was dropped upon his release. The Berkeley Police Department obtained a warrant for his arrest on August 4, after officers identified him during a protest at the park on August 3. Alexander claims he acted in self-defense when he punched a police officer and participated in tearing down the fencing erected around the park's perimeter.

Key Takeaways:

• Nick Alexander, a UC Berkeley alumnus, was arrested on August 18 on suspicion of vandalism, assault and battery on a peace officer, but was released the next day.
• Alexander was held on an $85,000 bail, which was dropped upon his release, and alleges that his phone is still in police custody.
• The Berkeley Police Department obtained a search warrant for Alexander's phone and seized it on August 18.
• Alexander participated in tearing down the fencing erected around the park's perimeter and claims he acted in self-defense when he punched a police officer.
• The Alameda County District Attorney's Office stated that Alexander was released because he could not be legally held for more than 72 hours without criminal charges.
• Alexander's case is under further investigation by the Berkeley Police Department.
• Alexander has been a vocal advocate for the preservation of People's Park and has been involved in various protest activities.

Statistics:

• 1 arrest was made on August 18 (Nick Alexander)
• 7 people were arrested on August 3 in connection to the protest at People's Park, according to UCPD spokesperson Lt. Sabrina Reich
• $85,000: the bail amount from which Alexander was released
• 72 hours: the maximum time the Alameda County District Attorney's Office can hold someone without criminal charges
• 2: the number of people booked at the Santa Rita County Jail and later cited and released on August 3
• 1: the number of people booked at the Berkeley City Jail on August 3, pending charges including trespassing, resisting or obstructing an officer and battery on a peace officer

Sources:

• Berkeleyside
• Nick Alexander (interview)
• Berkeley Police Department Public Information Officer Byron White
• UCPD spokesperson Lt. Sabrina Reich
• Alameda County District Attorney's Office
• Alameda County Sheriff's Office
• Nick Alexander's personal statements regarding his involvement in the protests at People's Park