Walnut Creek Protest: Security Guards Charged With Battery

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Two private security guards have been charged with battery and illegal possession of tear gas — pepper spray — by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, according to spokesman Scott Alonso.

The defendants are Ishatpal Momi, 27, of Elk Grove and Peter Reeves, 45, of Sacramento.

The charges stem from incidents on Oct. 13, when anti-abortion protesters were demonstrating outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Walnut Creek. Counter-protesters also gathered to support Planned Parenthood.

>>Previous: Pro-Choice Demonstrators Pepper-Sprayed In Walnut Creek

Individuals were also gathered outside to support Planned Parenthood. Momi and Reeves were hired to provide security on behalf of 40 Days for Life.

"During the late morning of October 13, an altercation ensued outside the clinic and as a result Momi and Reeves deployed their pepper spray canister against members of the opposing group," Alonso said in a press release. "Hours later that same day, additional individuals arrived on scene and the security guards deployed their pepper spray again against the other victims. In total, four individuals were impacted by the pepper spray during October 13."

The security guards were also armed with guns but did not draw them.

California law only allows canisters of pepper spray 2.5 ounces or smaller to be carried or used legally. The canisters used by Momi and Reeves were too large.

The case was reviewed and filed by Senior Deputy District Attorney Simon O’Connell. The defendants will be sent a notice to appear for their arraignment.