OAKLAND, California (AP) – A protest that began peacefully in California ended in several wildfires, several damaged cars and numerous shattered windows.
The protest against police brutality in Oakland began calmly on Friday night, media reported. A subsequent march attracted about 300 people with some fires and broken windows.
Among the damaged buildings was a vehicle dealership. At least one car burned. It also caught fire outside a bank. Protesters were seen passing in front of the scene of a car accident.
Photos and videos posted online showed protesters with signs and flags. Many chanted the names of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old man who was shot dead by an officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old boy fatally shot by an officer in Chicago.
People in the crowd threw bottles and other objects at officers during the march, Oakland police said in a statement. An officer suffered an injury when he was hit in the head. A community member was also assaulted, police said.
The statement says protesters dragged barriers on the road to block and delay officers who responded.
Authorities declared an assembly illegal and ordered protesters to march. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck. There were no arrests or summonses.
Some businesses had tackled their shop windows on Friday ahead of the riot forecast, according to media reports.