Athens police officer singlehandedly disperses large unruly crowd

By Joe Johnson

Senior Police Officer Joshua Santos was on motorcycle patrol the afternoon of March 26 when he heard radio traffic concerning up to 100 people fighting in the area of Rocksprings Homes apartments.

The officer headed over and circled the complex several times, causing some to leave, then took up position with an overview of the situation involving 60-70 of those who remained.

When a smaller group resumed fighting, Santos got them to stop by dispensing pepper spray, and a group that had been watching also dispersed.

The officer summoned EMS in case anyone needed treatment for pepper spray exposure, later learning that some combatants had gone on their own to the hospital.