200 March Through Santa Rosa In 'Peaceful Protest': Police

SANTA ROSA, CA — For the seventh consecutive night, demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Santa Rosa. A group of 200 people marched through the city in what the Santa Rosa Police Department said was a peaceful protest against police brutality.

Protesters began gathering at the Old Courthouse Square at 3 p.m.; at 3:30 p.m., they set out on a march from the courthouse square to the Sonoma County Complex on Administration Drive.

During the march which is a couple miles long, Santa Rosa police sent traffic advisories via Nixle as the group marched along Mendocino Avenue to Steele Lane, reaching the county administration center by 4:25 p.m.

"The group paused at several intersections, but was peaceful," SRPD Sgt. Jeneane Kucker said.

When the protesters tried to walk onto U.S. Highway 101 from Steele Lane but were blocked by a line of California Highway Patrol officers, they knelt and sat on the pavement.

The group was back at the courthouse square by 5:45 p.m. and remained there until 10:15 p.m., Kucker said.

In anticipation of the demonstration, barricades were put into place at 5 p.m. Friday to block vehicle access to the downtown area.

Officers did stop several drivers for suspected traffic violations such as reckless driving. Four people were arrested in the traffic stops: three on suspicion of reckless driving and one for suspected possession of an illegal knife, Kucker said.

"The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to protecting our community, our citizen’s right to assemble & protest, and our officers in the field," Kucker said. "It is our hope that any future protests will be peaceful, allowing all citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard, in a safe space."

Anyone who witnesses criminal activity is encouraged to immediately call and report the activity to the police department at 707-528-5222, the lieutenant said.