- The Washington Times - Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Activists protesting the police shooting of Michael Brown reportedly stormed the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department headquarters Wednesday with an intent to “reclaim” the department for the people of Ferguson.

During a “March to the Arch” rally, roughly 15 protesters entered the lobby of the department about 10 a.m. and read a list of demands, a local Fox affiliate reported.

They also reportedly posted hundreds of “Eviction Notices” on the outside of the building for “perpetrating police brutality on our citizenry.”

“We are informing you that the police department is scheduled to be reclaimed by its citizens today, December 31, 2014,” the notice read. It also accused the department of “transforming the police force into a militarized occupying force.”

The scene devolved into chaos once officers tried to remove the protesters from the building. Police used pepper spray on several people trying to rush through the doors of the department, the Fox affiliate reported.

Four women and one man were reportedly arrested and will be charged with trespassing and peace disturbance. The man is also facing an assault charge for assaulting a city marshal inside the headquarters lobby, Fox reported.

Demonstrators are still outside of the building, the station said.

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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