WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Hundreds poured into the streets of St. Louis on Friday following the controversial not-guilty verdict in a racially charged police shooting case.
Earlier on Friday, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) reported that the demonstrations have been mostly peaceful with the exception of some tense moments when some protesters became destructive, throwing water bottles and rocks. National Guard troops were placed on standby. A total of 13 arrests have been made during the protests and four officers were assaulted, police added.
Riot cops blocking street in Central West End of St. Louis #STLVerdict #stockleyprotests #stockleyverdict pic.twitter.com/yeDq6JjeIJ
— DL (@DailyLibber) September 16, 2017
Most protesters started to drift away when a smaller group of agitators headed to the neighbourhood near the St. Louis mayor's house and the crowd began to grow again. After rioters had smashed the window at Mayor Lyda Krewson's home, police had to respond with force, using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Later, the media reported that two policemen were seriously injured and had been hospitalized.
At least 2 police officers hurt after chemical agents used near Waterman and Kingshighway after #JasonStockley verdict. pic.twitter.com/K9fi7HGwax
— Robert Cohen (@kodacohen) September 16, 2017
"A total of 8 officers have sustained injuries throughout the day," the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department tweeted.
Tear gas being used on us in #StLouis #CentralWestEnd. Police also shooting rubber bullets at us. #StockleyProtest #STL pic.twitter.com/cLJBApyYgx
— Keith Rose (@KWRose) September 16, 2017
Prosecutors accuse Stockey of planting a gun on Smith to justify the shooting.
