LONG BEACH — A retired Long Beach police officer arrested Thursday is accused of assaulting a woman holding a protest sign and threatening a second victim, Long Beach Police Chief Billy Seal confirmed Friday.
Police arrested Craig DeRouche, 64, for allegedly assaulting a woman during an encounter on U.S. 90 at Jeff Davis Avenue. He is charged with a second misdemeanor charge of assault by threat for allegedly threatening a man who reported that he saw the alleged attack and tried to intervene, Seal said.
According to Seal, the protester, identified as a 74-year-old woman, was holding a protest sign supporting the right to due process under the U.S. Constitution for Americans before the assault occurred.
The woman, a Navy veteran, is now in stable condition in a local hospital.
- SEC sues LSU as athletes plead in court to regain eligibility with college sports season underway - September 3, 2026
- At DELTA FEST, HBCU leaders discuss how to prepare students for the evolving Southern economy - September 3, 2026
- Two former top Jackson State University administrators settle sex discrimination lawsuits - September 3, 2026