Witness speaks about concert arrest, riot

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published February 19, 2008

"I'm doubtful that they will allow another hip-hop act at the college, which is really unfortunate," Beibin said.

Beibin confirmed that Dead Prez has a song called "(Expletive) the Police," and that the song is part of their normal set list. But Beibin said he does not know at what point they performed that song in the concert at Evergreen.

Evergreen statement

Evergreen spokesman Jason Wettstein said Monday that the school does not blame hip-hop for causing the riot. He added that the college plans to continue to book concerts for all types of music.

"We've had a number of hip-hop concerts in the past and never had any incidents," Wettstein said. "It's not about the type of music, it's about personal responsibility."

Hauser said that when she followed her arrested friend outside the concert, the Evergreen officer acted professionally and appropriately when she was surrounded by close to 70 people who were telling her she had the wrong suspect and even accused her of racial profiling.

"I'm really impressed with the way the officer handled the situation before she had backup," Hauser said. "She was very calm about it. I would have been freaking out."

Wettstein said the officer, "acted entirely appropriately given the circumstances."

Hauser said her friend "didn't really know what was going on while he was sitting in that police car."

What's next

It was unclear Monday whether the young man who was arrested, then released early Friday morning, would be charged with a crime. Wettstein confirmed Monday that Evergreen Police Chief Ed Sorger was on vacation Friday. A person who answered the phone at Evergreen Police Services said Sorger would be back at work today.

Thurston County Sheriff's Lt. Chris Mealy said Monday that sheriff's detectives who are investigating the destruction of the sheriff's patrol units during the riots would continue their investigation today.

Beibin said Monday he would try to get a statement from Dead Prez, but added that they are hesitant to speak because of the fear that they might face legal problems. Beibin added that people have sent him links of footage from the concert, and it is clear Dead Prez did not incite the crowd.

"If the police want to make up baloney, it's easy enough to find the truth on the Internet," Beibin said.

Jeremy Pawloski covers public safety for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.