Ferguson Protesters Set Fires, Vandalize Shops and Assault Cops in Oakland: Police

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in San Francisco and Oakland on Tuesday night, a day after a Missouri grand jury decided not to indict a police officer for the shooting death of a teen.

In San Francisco, a large crowd marched through San Francisco's Mission District.

In Oakland, police said were fully staffed and had mutual aid on deck as they responded to reports of protesters marching onto freeways, starting fires and vandalizing businesses.

Police also reported several arrests were made Tuesday night and that officers were assaulted with rocks, bottles and other objects during the protests.

Protesters gathered in downtown Oakland and initially marched toward the police station. But by 6:30 p.m., about 100 protesters were seen by an NBC Bay Area helicopter marching onto Interstate 980, near 18th and Castro.

The freeway was briefly blocked by protesters, who were eventually redirected back onto city streets by police.

Protesters just after 9 p.m. also marched onto Interstate 580 and temporarily blocked traffic. Police said they made several arrests on the freeway.

As the night approached the 10 o'clock hour the NBC helicopter spotted protesters setting dumpsters on fire. People were also seen vandalizing and breaking into businesses.

Officials earlier in the day said 40 people were arrested for a variety of crimes during Monday night's protest in Oakland, which followed the grand jury's decision not to indict Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson for the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Police said several officers were injured and among the crimes for which protesters were arrested were assaulting officers, burglary, failure to disperse, resisting arrest, vandalism and public intoxication.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Contact Us