On Sunday, June 6 just after 3:30 p.m., deputies from the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation responded to a report of someone being punched in the face by a woman at the Imperial Beach Pier Plaza located at 10 Evergreen Avenue. 

When deputies arrived, they were met by the victim who had visible injuries to his face.  He told deputies the person he believed to have attacked him was among a group of about 40 people demonstrating in the area.  The victim pointed out the woman who he believed attacked him and said he wanted her arrested.  The deputies approached the woman in an attempt to get a statement. 

As the deputy told her she was being arrested, the woman pulled away from the deputy.  At least three of the protestors grabbed the woman to keep her from being taken into custody.  Additional protestors began attacking, pushing, scratching and spitting on the deputies resulting in minor injuries.  One protestor was seen stomping on a body camera.  Another body camera was stolen.  As the initial suspect was taken into custody, more than a dozen protestors continued to surround the deputies and followed them to a waiting patrol car.  Five patrol cars were damaged by the protestors.  Despite provocation, deputies were professional in their actions throughout the incident. 

Margarita Servin (DOB 4/16/1997) was arrested on charges of battery and resisting arrest.  She was released after posting $20,000 bail on June 7.  During the follow-up investigation, Sheriff's Detectives learned Servin slapped a cup out of the victim's hand and a second identified woman confronted the victim and punched him in the face.  The incident remains under investigation.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department supports the public's right to free speech and assembly.  We encourage the peaceful gathering of people to express themselves.  We respect everyone’s right to be heard.  However, violent acts and threats of violence have no place in peaceful demonstrations.  We ask the public to cooperate with deputies when they are called to investigate crimes.