Watch CBS News

4 'Occupy OC' Protesters Arrested In Santa Ana

SANTA ANA (AP) — Four members of the Occupy Orange County protest were arrested in Santa Ana after refusing to take down their tents and leave when their permit expired.

Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna says the arrests occurred early Sunday at the Santa Ana Civic Center. Authorities had warned organizers that demonstrators could not stay in the area after dark.

The four were cited and released for failure to obey a city ordinance against camping. They will appear in court in December on the misdemeanor charges.

One of the men, Sam Aresheh, told the Orange County Register that his right to peacefully assemble under the First Amendment should supersede the city's laws against camping.

Bertagna says about 120 people protested peacefully Saturday.

Demonstrators have been issued a permit to gather from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.