2 Arrested at Protest of Pierce College 10K

Two animal-rights activists were arrested Sunday at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills after they allegedly disrupted a 10-kilometer race being held to raise money for the City of Hope, police said.

Javier Burgos, director of the group SUPRESS, which stands for Students United Protesting Research on Sentient Subjects, was arrested for disturbing the peace after he “got overzealous” and began yelling profanities during the race, Sgt. Fred Tuggey of the Los Angeles Police Department said.

A woman identified as Sandra Behm was also arrested after she interfered with police officers who were arresting Burgos, police said.

Earlier this year, the Pasadena-based group demonstrated against the sale of zoo animals to research laboratories at the San Diego Zoo and picketed the Westwood home of the executive director of the City of Hope, claiming the Duarte-based research and medical facility has starved animals and housed them in filthy conditions.

“We have decided to tell people at these fund-raisers what it is they’re supporting,” said Burgos, 40. He said about 12 protesters handed out leaflets and carried signs opposing the City of Hope’s operation.

Pierce College police made the actual arrests, although the two were transported and charged at the West Valley station of the Los Angeles Police Department. Burgos and Behm were released after posting bail of $500 each.