SAN MATEO, Calif. (KCBS) -- Two people were arrested in San Mateo after a girl was assaulted during a confrontation Monday between supporters and opponents of the ballot proposition to ban same-sex marriage in California. Police are still searching for a third suspect.
The two groups were holding signs for and against Proposition 8 on opposite sides of the street at the corner of Third Avenue and Humboldt Street.
Police said a shouting match between the two groups escalated when one of the Yes on 8 supporters, described as a Polynesian man in his 20s, crossed the street and assaulted a 17-year-old girl holding a No on 8 sign.
KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports
Another man, 35-year-old Ivan Schaumkel of San Mateo spat in the girl’s face and a juvenile punched another resident who tried to break up the fight.
The man who started the fight fled before police arrived. But the juvenile and Schaumkel, both Yes on 8 supporters, were arrested and cited. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is still considering whether to pursue assault and battery charges against them.
(jro)