Protesters Arrested Near State Capitol, Police Use Pepper Spray
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver arrested nine protesters near the state Capitol on Wednesday evening. Video shows one protester pushing an officer off his motorcycle.
Police said the protesters, six men and three women, were arrested for illegal activity including felonies such as assault to police and robbery, and misdemeanors that range from resisting police, disobedience to lawful orders, obstructing roadways and interference.
Protesters were seen clashing with police on the Colorado Department of Transportation cameras at Broadway and Colfax just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Police tweeted out that they used pepper spray for crowd control.
UPDATE: DPD utilized pepper spray to control protestors during arrest.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) April 30, 2015
Some of the protesters were arrested after being taken down by SWAT officers in Civic Center Park.
The protests impacted traffic at Colfax and Broadway. There were delays for drivers in the downtown area.
The protesters began marching along the 16th Street Mall. Police tweeted out that officers were following the group.
UPDATE: Anti-Police Protestors are now marching on the 16th St Mall. Denver Police are protecting them and ensuring public safety.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) April 30, 2015
It is unclear what sparked the protests but what was supposed to be a peaceful rally was organized by a group of Facebook inviting people to the park to demonstrate against police brutality.
"We want to get our point across. No one is attacking. The only attacks have been by the police," said protester Brandon who didn't give his last name.
Some not involved with the scuffling carried signs that read, "End Police Brutality" and "Stop Police Terror."
The group dispersed about 8:30 p.m.