Protest In Riverview Results In No Arrest, Plant City 1: Police

BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW — After 600 protesters protested on the sidewalk in Riverview on June 2, police said there were no arrests made nor did any violence take place.

Protesters gathered near Bank of America located off of U.S. 301 near Big Bend Road around 5 p.m. Forty-five minutes later, authorities had blocked off portions of the road to provide safety for everyone in the area, and so they could monitor activity taking place. Protesters moved their crowds from the sidewalk onto the streets. No arrests were made in Riverview during the protests, and the crowd did disperse after being told to clear the streets at 10:45 p.m.

"I commend both my deputies and officers with the Plant City Police Department for their restraint in dealing with agitators and their willingness to show the citizens we serve that we are listening to their concerns, and will always be there to protect them," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. "I am happy to see that these protests ended with no injuries and no damage to property in either Plant City or Riverview."

An arrest did happen at a protest in nearby Plant City. Police said Vintwan Brooks, 29, removed a confederate flag from a vehicle of a person who attended the protests, and attempted to burn the flag and this created an argument between Brooks and the person who owned the flag. As Plant City police arrested Brooks, another protester sprayed pepper spray on an officer, and was able to run away without being caught by police.

Brooks was arrested for inciting a riot and resisting an officer without violence.

There is a possibility that another protest will be held on June 3 in Riverview around 5 p.m. near major intersections surrounding the Bloomingdale area. Police will be monitoring the protests, and if you feel there is unlawful activity call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (813) 247-8000.