Supporters Of Memorial Vandalism Suspects Try To Block CBS4 Camera
DENVER (CBS4) - Two suspects accused of vandalizing Denver's police memorial appeared in court on Monday, and their friends expressed displeasure at seeing the media on hand.
Police say Matthew Goldberg, 23, and Robert Guerrero, 25. poured and sprayed paint over the memorial to fallen police officers during a protest. They both face several charges, including criminal mischief and desecration of a venerated object.
CBS4 Investigator Rick Sallinger went to cover the case at court Monday and found the supporters of the suspects weren't pleased to see CBS4 at the proceedings.
Goldberg is accused of spray-painting the back of the Denver police memorial and crime lab with white paint. He had nothing to say as he entered court. Guerrero was identified by police as the person who poured red paint on the front of the memorial, which was captured on camera.
Court documents claim when Guerrero was arrested he had red paint on his hands and had a paint container. His friends were apparently not happy to see CBS4 cameras at court. Video obtained by CBS4 may be used as evidence in the case.
WEB EXTRA: Exclusive Video Of Protesters Vandalizing DPD Memorial
The incident came at the end of a Saturday march against alleged police violence. The protesters marched to Denver police headquarters. There they gathered in the courtyard as officers observed the vandalism taking place. Because of the size of the crowd no arrests immediately took place.
On Monday an abundance of deputies were present outside and inside the courtroom as the two charged made their appearance. As they left court, those accompanying them once again attempted to block CBS4 from taking video.
RELATED STORIES: More Police Memorial Vandalism Stories
Goldberg and Guerrero remain free on bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for later in March.