PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) Protests in Portland took a violent turn Monday night.
Portland police say 23 people were arrested after a peaceful protest turned violent Monday night.
Lt. Robert Martin on Tuesday said all but one of those people were charged with Failure to Disperse.
The arrests started around 10:30 p.m. when, according to police, some demonstrators who remained near the police headquarters where roads were blocked off in the area of Middle Street did not disperse. Lt. Martin says some demonstrators damaged barricades and began circling police vehicles, attempting to damage them, and threatening the officers inside.
Lt. Martin said some protestors also began throwing water bottles, and glass bottles, and rocks at officers
“As I’ve said before, the City of Portland and the Portland Police Department respects the rights of those who wish to protest. We understand and are also disgusted by the recent tragedy. Our goal remains providing a safe environment for those wishing to peacefully express their views and First Amendment rights,” said Police Chief Frank Clark. “We are fortunate that no one was seriously injured and that most of the property damage was minimal. Unfortunately a committed smaller segment of this group ended up making this event anything other than a peaceful and lawful protest. They took the opportunity to commit acts of violence, damage public and private property and place my officers and the public at risk. We will not stand for such criminal behavior.”
Protesters blocked the intersection at Pearl and Congress streets, surrounding two police cruisers.
Protesters also blocked a tractor-trailer from entering the intersection of Franklin and Middle streets.
Officers used pepper spray on protesters and moved in with riot gear and shields to clear the crowd. Protesters responded by throwing water bottles and other items at officers.
Several local businesses and building were also vandalized, including the Urban Outfitters on Middle Street, where the glass had been broken and clothes left strewn on the ground.
