Fed-Up Parade Watchers Arrest Rabble-Rousers

Two men were creating such a ruckus Saturday during Livermore's that they were placed under citizen's arrest by five parade goers who could no longer tolerate their rowdiness.

“They felt their peace was being disturbed,” said Sgt. Jason Boberg of the .

The men, from Pleasanton and Fremont, both 49, were transported by police to the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and booked on a charge of disorderly conduct. 

The suspects were screaming, shouting profanities and telling people they were going to hell, Boberg said.

"They were using their right to free speech, but going a little beyond that, " he said. "They were apparently yelling at people."

The arrests occurred during the parade Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of First and South K streets. 

The parade watchers who called the police and signed the citizen's arrest complaint were three males, ages 23, 39 and 52, and two females, 43 and 47, Boberg said.

The five citizens will attend court appearances to testify to the alleged infractions, he said.

California law allows John Q. Public to stop crimes in progress but with legal distinctions that include offenses be witnessed firsthand or be on the level of a felony. 

"Everyone has a right to make a citizen's arrest," Boberg said.

In Livermore, such arrests occur more commonly in fights or battery situations than at parades, he added.

Boberg advised that citizens wishing to arrest a criminal call authorities first. "Let them know that's your intent. The officer effects the arrest for you and takes them into custody on your behalf." 

Also the public should keep safety in mind, Boberg said: "Don't go hands-on. That's very dangerous," 

The suspects are to be arraigned at the Gale-Schenone Hall of Justice in Pleasanton on July 11 at 9 a.m.