The small community of Ferguson, Missouri, broke out in violence and looting again, with those in the streets this time smashing up the windows of a beauty supply store — the third time the shop has been hit by looters in the last few weeks.
St. Louis County police told local KMOV-TV that they joined Ferguson police on the scene to deal with out-of-control protesters breaking into Beauty Town and yelling, “Burn it down.”
Twitter posters kept pace with the police response, with one writing: “Crowd had crossed W. Florissant. Chanting, ’Fight Back,’ and ’Arrest Darren Wilson.’ ” Another wrote: “Crowd moves into the street towards police.”
Meanwhile, the owner of Beauty Town told KMOV that he’s lost more than $100,000 in stolen merchandise in recent weeks.
“This is the third time we’ve been hit,” he said, to the media outlet.
Authorities reported five arrests, and said four officers had been hit with rocks. Two police cruisers had reportedly been damaged, CBS News reported.
A makeshift memorial to 18-year-old Michael Brown — the teen who was fatally shot by police Officer Darren Wilson — was also set on fire and blazing in the streets, CBS News reported. It’s not clear who burned the memorial, or why. But residents were angry about it, saying it was akin to destroying a grave.
Ferguson police said they’re investigating.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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