A tense standoff unfolded last month at Coast Guard Base Alameda, California, culminating in officers firing upon a U-Haul truck that allegedly careened toward them. The dramatic incident, captured on video, has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Brendan Munro Thompson, also known as Bella Thompson and Bella Castillo.
Court documents reveal Thompson is charged with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon. The incident began around 10 p.m. on October 23rd, when the U-Haul repeatedly reversed toward security personnel stationed near the base’s entrance.
As officers shouted commands from behind cover, the truck suddenly accelerated forward, prompting a volley of gunfire. The driver then fled the scene, leaving the abandoned vehicle behind for authorities to inspect.
The Coast Guard stated the truck had been exhibiting erratic behavior throughout the day, repeatedly attempting to breach the base’s perimeter. Security personnel only discharged their weapons after multiple verbal warnings were ignored and the vehicle presented an immediate threat.
Shortly after the confrontation, two individuals arrived at local hospitals with gunshot wounds, both thankfully non-life-threatening. One of those individuals was identified as Thompson and subsequently taken into custody by the FBI.
Investigators allege Thompson intentionally reversed the truck multiple times before accelerating towards the Coast Guard personnel, raising fears of a potential attack or the presence of explosives. The officers fired in what they considered a clear act of self-defense.
Federal officials have condemned the incident, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for attacks on law enforcement. The actions were described not as protest, but as a serious and violent federal crime.
The incident occurred following an earlier demonstration outside the base, where protestors attempted to obstruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Authorities deployed California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear to disperse the crowd, resulting in two detentions.
Coast Guard Island had been temporarily designated as a potential staging area for a federal deployment to San Francisco, a plan that was later postponed. The decision to halt the deployment came after discussions with local leaders who expressed optimism about improving public safety.
Thompson has made an initial court appearance and is scheduled for a detention and preliminary hearing. If convicted, Thompson faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years and a substantial fine.
