Cleveland police: 71 arrested as protests turn violent

Authorities in Cleveland say dozens of people were arrested late Saturday following the acquittal of a police officer in the shooting deaths of an unarmed black couple.

{mosads}Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says protesters became more “aggressive” throughout the day after a judge acquitted Officer Michael Brelo, 31, on charges in the deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams. Brelo was among the officers who fired at Russell and Williams’s car during a 2012 chase and later climbed onto the hood of the car and fired at its occupants after the chase ended.

Williams said a restaurant patron was injured by a sign thrown by a protester. That protester and two others were arrested in that incident, he said.

Restaurant patrons and other bystanders were later attacked by protesters, he said, and several more demonstrators were arrested.

In all, 71 protesters were arrested.

“We only moved in when protesters became violent and protesters refused to disperse,” Williams added.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said on Sunday morning that most protesters “served as an example of peaceful demonstration and dialogue that will help us move forward.”

“We will and we continue to encourage peaceful protest and demonstration, however we will not tolerate activities that cross the line,” Jackson added.

Following the announcement of Saturday’s verdict, the Department of Justice said it will review trial testimony and evidence to determine “what, if any, additional steps are available.”

Read more from The Hill:

Cleveland Dem: Acquittal in police shooting case a ‘stunning setback’