Oakland Anti-Police March Stormed and Kettled by Riot Police

OAKLAND, California – At approximately 9pm on Saturday, January 7, a 200-250 person anti-police march began at Oscar Grant Plaza in response to the dozens upon dozens of arrests that have occurred over the past few weeks during vigils at the plaza.

The marchers were able to reach the police station, but were greeted by a few hundred police. A few rocks or bottles were thrown at police but, the marchers continued to move on their way. The march continued for several blocks for about a half an hour. Police formed a line and prevented the march from continuing forward. A small bonfire was lit in the center of the street around 30-50m away from the police line. The police began moving forward to extinguish the flame and blocked doors of bars along the street. Police then charged the crowd and tackled a few individuals and arrested them. Some demonstrators were beat with batons, including observers.

Police kettled the crowd at 9th and Washington for 15-20 minutes. Police eventually gave a dispersal warning and allowed demonstrators to leave.

Police appear to have targeted specific individuals. At least one medic was arrested while giving medical attention to someone the police injured.

Read more at Occupy California