The Wauwatosa Police Department in Wisconsin arrested two protesters on Friday night, setting off tense exchanges between officers and demonstrators calling for the firing of an officer.
About 100 people were marching through a residential neighborhood in Wauwatosa to call for the firing of Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah, who has shot and killed three people in the line of duty over the past five years, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Police pulled a protester from his bike and tackled him, leading protesters to gather around squad cars and call for the man’s release.
The Wauwatosa Police Department released a statement saying, “The protestors attempted to prevent the arrest by physically engaging officers and blocking off routes, preventing squads from leaving. Neighboring law enforcement agencies responded to a mutual aid request.”
The standoff lasted for about 90 minutes, with police pushing protesters back with shields. The situation calmed when police slowly backed away from protesters.
Police said the suspect was arrested for “his involvement in numerous incidents over the past few days” and that he will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Police arrested a second person who was cited for trespassing and released.
The city currently has an 8 p.m. protest curfew.
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