Six Arrested During Berkeley Protest for Eric Garner, Michael Brown

Police this morning said six people were arrested during an overnight protest that turned violent in Berkeley. Berkeley police spokeswoman Jennifer Coats said five adults and 1 juvenile were arrested. Police did not immediately release information on what the people were arrested for. The protest started peacefully Saturday but turned violent and lasted well into the morning hours.

Police said a small group of protestors started hurling bricks, pipes, smoke grenades and other items at officers. The protest, one of several in the Bay Area over the past few nights, was in response to a New York grand jury’s decision on Wednesday to not indict a white police officer in the chokehold death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man. The protest mostly followed the along the Telegraph Avenue area and on nearby streets. Coats said at least one police officer was transported to the hospital after suffering a dislocated shoulder after being hit with a large sandbag.

Several officers reportedly were hit with projectiles thrown by protestors. Some protestors made their way through several Berkeley neighborhoods and vandalized cars, broke windows and looted businesses. Coats said police ended up using smoke and tear gas to disperse crowds as protestors continued to vandalize businesses. Several police vehicles were also vandalized during the protests.

By Bay City News

Photos: Damage caused during protests and projectiles used by protestors to throw at police officers during the protests.