Six Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested by police officers outfitted in riot helmets and other gear in Oakland on Saturday night. The protesters were taken into custody during a march organized to protest alleged police abuse and mistreatment of Occupy demonstrators on October 25, 2011. Protest organizers claim the march was created to draw attention to police abuse, oppression, and harassment against Occupy Wall Street protesters in the city.
Saturday's march began outside of Oakland's City Hall building and was slated to end at the Oakland Police Department. According to reports, rows of officers in riot gear blocked the route to the police station and stopped demonstrators from continuing the march. At that point, the previously peaceful protest reportedly began to change as demonstrators allegedly lit a bonfire, committed vandalism, and threw bottles at police.
Oakland police purportedly chased some demonstrators down the street before making arrests. Other protesters were reportedly corralled on the street by officers who then declared an unlawful assembly. After that, the remaining demonstrators dispersed. Occupy Oakland protesters claim police officers failed to issue a dispersal order prior to chasing down and allegedly beating some demonstrators.
According to an Oakland Police Department spokesperson, the six arrests made by police on Saturday were for alleged officer assault, resisting arrest, vandalism, and possession of an explosive device. Meanwhile, organizers claim those arrested were merely sitting peacefully in a public space.
Oakland police have engaged in confrontations with Occupy Wall Street demonstrators repeatedly over the past week. Last Wednesday, 12 protesters were arrested at almost midnight outside of the Oakland City Hall on suspicion of resisting police officers. On Thursday, two demonstrators were arrested and the doors to City Hall were locked by police in a purported effort to keep protesters from entering the building to speak with the Mayor. On Friday, 13 additional protesters were arrested after they failed comply with the Oakland Police Chief's order to disperse.
When your rights are violated by police, you need an experienced attorney to guide you in navigating the complaint process and to help you file your case. If you feel a law enforcement officer has used excessive force on you or a loved one, our Los Angeles police brutality lawyer can help. You are urged to report all instances of police misconduct as soon as possible after it occurs.
Contact Okorie Okorocha, a Los Angeles board-certified criminal trial attorney, if you feel your rights have been violated due to police misconduct. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case, contact him today through his website or call him at (310) 871-3217.
More Blog Posts:
Federal Jury Finds Fresno Police Sgt. Used Excessive Force in Shooting Death of Unarmed Man, Los Angeles Police Brutality Lawyer Blog, December 27, 2011
Artists Outraged by Occupy Abuse Publish Police Brutality Coloring Book, Los Angeles Police Brutality Lawyer Blog, December 20, 2011
Additional Resources:
Six arrested in latest Occupy Oakland march, by Henry K. Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
Occupy Oakland activists barred from City Hall, by Henry K. Lee, Justin Berton, and Carolyn Jones, San Francisco Chronicle
