Crime & Safety

Man Drives Through Presidential Motorcade Barricades, Crashes

No injuries were reported, and police determined he was not under the influence.

A Mountain View man was arrested Wednesday night after he crashed a car that he drove past barricades blocking a Redwood City road in anticipation of President Barack Obama's motorcade traveling through the area, according to a Redwood City police sergeant.

Eddie Boyce, 49, was arrested when he allegedly drove around barricades in the 2200 block of El Camino Real and proceeded to drive past police attempting to stop him before he crashed around 8:55 p.m., Redwood City police Sgt. Sean Hart.

The barricades were set up for Obama's motorcade, which was scheduled to pass through the area shortly after the accident for a fundraiser rally at the Fox Theater in downtown Redwood City.

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The president attended three fundraising events in Atherton, Redwood City and San Jose during a 16-hour trip to the Bay Area.

"There is no indication that he had any ill intent toward the president," Hart said. It also appears he did not know about the motorcade or that the roads would be closed Wednesday night.

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No injuries were reported, Hart said.

Boyce was arrested on suspicion of evading a police officer, hit-and-run causing property damage and driving on a divided highway, according to Hart.

Hart said police determined Boyce was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He was booked at San Mateo County jail.


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