Police arrested dozens of protesters in Ferguson who had assembled near the entry and exit ramps of Interstate 70, with apparent plans to shut down travel on the highway.
CNN reported that some of the demonstrators — who were protesting what they see as the unjustified police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown — threw rocks at law enforcement. Police reported that they were also confronted with hurled bricks, glass bottles and water bottles.
Most of those arrested will face unlawful assembly charges, said Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Al Nothum, CNN reported. Four, however, have been charged with assault of a law enforcement agent.
“Attempting to block an interstate highway is unsafe and unacceptable,” said Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson, KMOV reported. “People trying to shut down I-70 would not only create a very serious hazard for themselves, but also for motorists simply trying to get home from school or work.”
One of the protest organizers said to CNN that those who hurled items at police were actually “professional agitators” and not part of the peaceful crowd.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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