NYPD: Dozens Arrested During Violent Protests Over Death Of Walter Wallace Jr.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Protests in Brooklyn over a deadly police-involved shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. in Philadelphia turned violent, leading to more than two dozen arrests.
As CBS2's John Dias reports, an ATM vestibule remains decimated as a nearby clothing store on Atlantic Avenue was boarded up Wednesday morning, sending sounds of power drills around Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
It's the aftermath of a different, more frantic scene Tuesday night in the neighborhood, when police in riot gear tried to get ahold of protestors.
Cops smashed the window of a car, but failed to stop the driver from plowing through an NYPD officer line. No one was seriously injured.
Police cars were spray painted, businesses vandalized, people also set fires. The NYPD ended up arresting more than 30 people.
The protestors say they're calling for justice for Walter Wallace, Jr., a Black man who was killed by police officers Monday in Philadalphia.
"I think the protests are very important, I'm sorry about the violence," said Brooklyn resident Laura Kramer.
CBS PHILLY: Looting Continues For 2nd Night In Philadelphia Following Fatal Police Shooting Of Walter Wallace Jr.
"I can understand why people are mad. Another Black man shot, it doesn't stop. And I don't see right now anything that's stopping from preventing it," a man named James said.
Wallace's family says he had a dinner knife on him as he walked towards two officers, with guns drawn, who repeatedly asked him to drop the weapon.
Police say the officers fired at least seven shots each, killing Wallace.
PROTESTS AND POLICE REFORMS
- Writer David Simon, The Wire Creator, Discusses Policing In America With CBS2's Maurice DuBois
- NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams On What's Next When It Comes To Race
- Documentary Filmmaker Marshall Curry Discusses Where The Conversation Goes From Here
- Schomburg Center Releases 'Black Liberation Reading List'
- Black Parents Describe Tough Conversations About Racism With Their Children
- Complete CBS2 Coverage
"I saw a man get gun downed with at least a car length and a half, who was not charging or lunging at police, who was in a mental health crisis," said Wallace family attorney Shaka Johnson.
Wallace's father urged protests stay peceful.
"I really feel justice has to be done for my son and to help my family," Wallace, Sr. said.
Tuesday night in Philadelphia, people were seen looting, and demonstrations continued for a second consecutive night. Police there said Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood has "rapidly gone downhill" and is a "total loss."
Back in New York City Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said we should learn from what we saw this summer, and those arrested in New York should be prosecuted.
"No violence in acceptable," the mayor said. "You can raise problems peacefully"
Police say if your property was damaged in these protests, or if you have any tips about who is responsible for some of the damage, they'd like you to give them a call.
More From CBS New York:
- Caught On Camera: DOT Worker Forced To Jump On Hood Of Vehicle While Directing Traffic On Palisades Parkway
- 12 Arrested In New Jersey Child Predator Sting
- NYC Board Of Elections Extends Early Voting Hours As Long Lines Continue To Form Outside Polling Locations
You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.
