A man accused of pointing a weapon at protesters was charged by Upland authorities June 3, 2020.
A 38-year-old man has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon after video captured by protesters showed a heated confrontation with the man allegedly pointing an assault weapon at demonstrators.
Jacob Daniel Bracken was accused of pulling a weapon on a large crowd of protesters at Euclid Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Upland June 1. Protesters called Upland police. In the video, Bracken can be seen holding the weapon and yelling, "Back the f*** up!"
"What this person did was unacceptable," Upland Police Chief Darren Goodman said in an interview with NBCLA. "I would hope that people could accept difference of opinion and different views without taking a violent position, just like I hope the protesters can learn to continue to be peaceful in their protests and not destroy property."
Goodman said they had videos and photos that showed Bracken allegedly pointed the weapon at a person, hence the assault with deadly weapon charge by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.
A witness who claims to know Bracken said someone was walking across the street Monday afternoon to engage with the protesters, and said they were "rushed." That's when he turned around and he saw Bracken allegedly brandish the weapon.
A protester who witnessed the confrontation said they were just trying to peacefully protest, and he saw nothing but hate and racism.
Police told NBCLA that the location was not Bracken's property, and he is a Rancho Cucamonga resident.
The raucous demonstration eventually ended with protesters hugging officers.
Bracken could face up to four years in prison or six months in county jail. He could also face a possible fine of up to $10,000, if convicted as charged.
"Thankfully, through the restraint of the protestors and the swift investigation by the Upland Police Department, a potential tragedy may have been avoided," police said in a statement.
