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Margaret Belknap is accused in court papers of kicking an officer in the “upper right inside thigh near his groin” and kicking him in the knee while wearing black, “military type” boots, court papers state.
Another person arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault of a police officer during the march, Paul French, 25, did not have an arraignment Tuesday.
Twenty-eight others also were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor charges during the march.
The march consisted of a large group of people clad in black with their faces covered in hoods and scarves. Some protesters wear such clothing so people won’t recognize them. The march began on Olympia’s west side and continued down the Fourth Avenue Bridge to downtown Olympia.
Olympia police Lt. Ray Holmes has said police interrupted the march and arrested protesters because there were numerous reports that they were breaking the law by throwing bottles and rocks at buildings, spray-painting property and dragging trash containers into the streets, blocking traffic.
Holmes also has said Olympia police received a report that protesters assaulted Tony Overman, a photographer for The Olympian.
The 28 others arrested April 8 have yet to have court appearances. Twenty-seven of those protesters have yet to have formal charges filed in Olympia Municipal Court, Olympia City Prosecutor Kalo Wilcox said Monday.
One other person arrested during the march, Jami Williams, 20, is scheduled to appear in Olympia Municipal Court today. She faces one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of misdemeanor malicious mischief, City Prosecutor Paul Wohl said Tuesday.
Williams is accused of assaulting Overman as he tried to take photos of the marchers, according to Olympia police. Overman said protesters spray-painted his face and camera as he took a photo of someone spray-painting a street sign.
Belknap, a former student at The Evergreen State College, remained out of custody on her original conditions of release after she posted bail after her arrest. According to court papers, shortly before her arrest, Belknap denied assaulting a police officer. Also according to court papers, she told an officer, “The last time an officer said I assaulted him the charge got dismissed, no contest. My mom has a lot of money, my friend.”
Belknap was arrested in San Francisco in 2009 on suspicion of three counts of third-degree assault, but the case was dismissed after she completed a diversion program, court papers state.
Jeremy Pawloski: 360-754-5465
jpawloski@tholympian.com
