Officers with the Florissant (MO) Police Department arrested 17 demonstrators Sunday night in the police headquarters parking lot.
According to Fox News, demonstrators have gathered for weeks in Florissant to protest what they consider to be police misconduct and in response to the gathering on police property officers arrested more than a dozen people and towed two vehicles from the area.
The agency posted on Facebook, "Tonight, a protest group advertised an event titled 'Stand Up! Fight Back!*Code Red' and arrived in front of the Florissant Police Department. The organizers told the demonstrators that they are taking a chance of being arrested due to the actions planned by the group."
The protesters blocked a freeway with vehicles and marched onto the Florissant Police Department property. After observing several of the protesters committing property damage, numerous dispersal orders where given.
The agency said further, "Officers made 17 arrests and towed 2 vehicles; charges include Trespassing, Failure to Disperse, and Unlawful Assembly. Numerous objects were thrown at the officers during the protest."
The social media post concluded, "The Florissant Police Department continues to recognize individuals’ rights to PEACEFULLY protest, but unfortunately the peaceful protesters’ message is continuing to be stolen by aggressive individuals in the protest crowds. The Florissant Police Department along with our law enforcement partners in the region had to handle these illegal acts while we also handled numerous calls for service in the City of Florissant, including vehicle crashes, thefts, assaults, and fireworks calls. We will continue to serve the citizens of Florissant and be here for them."
