One arrested as demonstrators clash with police in Kennewick

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- An invitation to demonstrate in Kennewick fizzled out late Sunday and into early Monday morning as Kennewick Police followed a group of protesters around, thwarting their plans.

Law enforcement was tipped off to the planned demonstration, which was initially set to take place at the Columbia Center Mall at 10:00pm Sunday. Mall security worked with Kennewick Police to block parking lot entrances hours in advance.

A large crowd starting gathering near businesses in the area of Canal Drive and Columbia Center Boulevard at around 11:00pm, with demonstrators quickly becoming unruly, throwing objects at police cars and setting off fireworks.

"We started receiving reports that the crowd, a portion of the crowd, was throwing rocks and breaking windows," said Sgt. Jason Kiel with KPD. "we also had reports that there were people climbing on top of the Arby's restaurant. So we started bringing more police resources to the area."

Police identified one man who allegedly threw rocks at businesses, breaking several windows at Burlington Coat Factory. The suspect ran off on foot, but officers tracked him down, eventually deploying a Taser when the man refused to comply with officer orders. David F. Hernandez, 19, faces charges for burglary, malicious mischief, obstructing law enforcement, and rioting.

Sgt. Kiel confirmed that three businesses were damaged, including Bank of the West and Plato's Closet, in addition to Burlington Coat Factory, but says it could have been much worse.

"This was truly a win for the citizens of Kennewick. Yeah, we had a little bit of property damage, but it could have been so much worse and it just worked out really well," Sgt. Kiel told Newsradio 610 KONA. "We're just not going to tolerate that type of behavior in our cities."

The Kennewick Police Department received assistance from the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Richland Police Department, and Washington State Patrol. No officers were injured in the clashes, but two police cruisers were damaged by thrown objects.

Investigators are asking anyone with video from anyone who may have footage of the incidents to please share that with the Kennewick Police Department.