LAPD: 183 Arrested In Overnight Protests Downtown
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The LAPD said 183 demonstrators were arrested early Wednesday for disorderly conduct after downtown protests over the Mike Brown grand jury decision threatened public safety.
Dozens of protesters were detained at Broadway and Temple Street around 3 a.m., many of whom were young adults who were repeatedly asked to disperse.
Others were arrested near Flower and 9th streets, an area where several businesses may have suffered damage, according to the LAPD.
Officer also recovered several weapons including a switchblade and a can of Mace.
According to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, 167 people were booked for misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Fifteen juveniles were cited for curfew and were released to a parent or guardian, he said.
"It's a fine line when you facilitate First Amendment . . . but these particular groups went beyond that. When you encroach upon other people's rights and the safety of others, we have to draw the line there," Lt. Andy Neiman said.
An LAPD officer was injured during the overnight protests when he was hit in the head with a partially frozen water bottle. That person was arrested for felony battery on a police officer and was being held on $25,000 bail.
Protesters also shut down part of the 101 Freeway in both directions at Grand Avenue for about an hour Tuesday night.
Protests then continued along Grand at Temple Street and Cesar E Chavez Avenue, where dozens were sitting in the intersection and attempting to set up barricades to block traffic before they were again made to disperse.
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