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Zimmerman protest turns violent in San Bernardino; 11 arrested

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San Bernardino police arrested 11 people Thursday night after protesters decrying the acquittal of George Zimmerman began throwing rocks and bottles, attacking officers and pedestrians.

The incident began at about 8 p.m. as marchers moved south along Highland Avenue and were joined by others not initially involved with what was a peaceful protest at that point, according to police.

Protesters ended up at a Jack in the Box restaurant near Waterman Avenue and Baseline Street. Police, some on horseback, encountered a group of about 120 people, some of whom threw rocks and bottles at passing motorists and police officers, according to police. At least one police car was damaged by a rock.

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Most of the group left after officers gave several orders to disperse, police said. But about 50 people moved behind cinder-block walls and threw more rocks and bottles, while some people ran and began attacking and robbing pedestrians, according to police.

Those arrested could face charges including assault with a deadly weapon, battery, assault on a police horse, assault on a peace officer and vandalism, authorities said.

“They just saw the opportunity for civil unrest,” said Lt. Mike Madden of the San Bernardino Police Department.

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Thursday night’s incident in San Bernardino marked the latest in a series of violent uprisings stemming from Zimmerman protests in Southern California. The night before in Victorville, authorities arrested 17 people after a group allegedly tried to force its way into the Mall of Victor Valley.

In Hollywood on Tuesday night, a “flash mob” rushed down Hollywood Boulevard, stealing phones, knocking over tourists and vandalizing shops, according to police, who said it may have been related to the Zimmerman verdict. Twelve people — 11 juveniles and one 18-year-old -- were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

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hailey.branson@latimes.com

twitter.com/haileybranson

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