17 Arrested, 1 Officer Injured Amid Protests, Looting In Aurora

AURORA, IL — As of noon Monday, 17 people were arrested after peaceful protests in Aurora turned violent Sunday night, and a police officer was injured after being hit by something thrown by a protester, according to Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman.

Peaceful Protests End With Rioting, Looting In Downtown Aurora

Following an afternoon of peaceful protests throughout the city, more than a thousand people descended on downtown Aurora Sunday evening to demonstrate outside City Hall. The demonstration turned violent about 90 minutes later when officers fired tear gas at protesters about a block from City Hall.

During the clashes between protesters and police, at least two buildings — including the Family Dollar on East New York Street — were set on fire, Lewbel said. Three police cars were also destroyed by flames, and many others were damaged by people throwing bricks, glass bottles and rocks at officers, Lewbel said.

Police SUV Blows Up, State Of Emergency Declared In Aurora: Video

Shortly after an Elgin police SUV was lit on fire, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin declared a state of emergency in the city, and along with county officials, enacted a curfew for Aurora Township from 8:30 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.

More than 100 volunteers were out Monday morning working to clean up broken glass and damage to businesses along Broadway, where much of the looting took place.

* This article has been updated to reflect new arrests announced Monday afternoon by Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman.