Far right demonstrators break the glass on a door to the Oregon State Capitol during a special legislative session Monday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
A Eugene man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of attacking officers during a protest at the Capitol on Dec. 21.
Richard Braatz, 65, was charged with second-degree attempted assault and riot for his role in a protest where a group of demonstrators attempted to force their way into the Capitol, pepper spraying several officers, assaulting journalists and damaging property.
Braatz is described in a police affidavit as wearing a black eye patch and carrying an 8-foot tall flag on Dec. 21.
According to the police affidavit, Salem police officer David Smith was retreating inside the Capitol after being pepper sprayed in the face three times.
Braatz jabbed the flag pole toward Smith and hit him in the helmet, knocking his head back, the affidavit said. Then, the affidavit said the tip of the flagpole slid and hit Smith’s cheek.
Braatz later entered the vestibule and refused to leave, the affidavit said.
Braatz was arrested in downtown Salem Thursday while participating in a protest near the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. He was initially identified with the help of the public through the Salem Police Department’s “Can You ID Me?” page, police said.
He is being lodged at the Marion County Jail.
Police Chief Trevor Womack said during a news conference Tuesday that Salem police would conduct follow-up investigations to hold people accountable for crimes committed during protests.
“Our preparation for this week afforded us the opportunity to make this arrest. Officers were committed to the goals set for protest response which include follow up investigation of criminal behavior and proper enforcement action when reasonable and appropriate,” Womack said in a statement Thursday. -Saphara Harrell
