New Charges Filed in Riverside Protest Incident

New criminal charges have been filed following a violent incident at Saturday night’s “No Kings” protest in downtown Riverside. Authorities say a woman was critically injured after being struck by an SUV that plowed through a crowd of demonstrators. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has charged 57-year-old Russell Prentice with assault with a deadly weapon and hit-and-run causing injury. Investigators allege Prentice intentionally drove into the protest group before fleeing the scene. The victim’s identity has not been released, but she remains hospitalized in critical condition.
A second person, 38-year-old Candase Wenzel, is also facing charges. Wenzel is accused of helping Prentice after the incident and is now charged as an accessory after the fact. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of Wenzel’s involvement. Both suspects are scheduled to be arraigned this Friday at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Protest organizers say the violence underscores the risks activists face while exercising their First Amendment rights. Community members are calling for accountability and increased safety measures during demonstrations. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.