Downtown Olympia businesses vandalized during protest, police say
Several businesses were tagged with spray paint or had windows broken the night of June 21 in downtown Olympia, according to police.
About 7:30 p.m. Friday, a group of 25-30 people marched east down Fourth Avenue and then back west down State Avenue, Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower said.
It was not clear what the protest was about, Lower said.
Police responded to provide traffic control because the protesters were marching down the middle of the streets, he said. They also set off some fireworks during the event, he added.
One of the businesses that was damaged was Belleza Ropa Clothing and Shoes at Capitol Way and Fourth Avenue, Lower said. Business representatives at Belleza Ropa shared a few more details on social media.
“Last night our store had two windows broken and some window tagging,” their Facebook post reads. “Many downtown businesses suffered glass loss last night. We are endlessly grateful for Olympia Police Department and the fire department, which promptly responded and came and boarded up before more damage could be done.”
The business said the city’s clean team responded the following morning to sweep up glass and remove graffiti.
Police made one arrest, Lower said. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of third-degree theft for stealing a bicycle near Fourth Avenue and Plum Street.
