Peace Activists Armed with Rocks, Other Weapons

Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:21:56 am PDT

The Denver Post has a report on the mini-riot incited last night by the Recreate 68 gang: Rocks, other potential weapons helped spark police action.

“Denver police made limited use of pepper spray Monday night when a protest crowd that had gathered near Civic Center Park refused requests to disperse and suddenly rushed a police safety line about 7:15 p.m.” the statement said.

Police estimated the crowd at 300, although many onlookers and media also were on hand.

Among those arrested, many were observed “carrying rocks and other items that could be used to threaten public safety,” the police report said. “In order to protect the public when the crowd surged forward, two officers deployed their pepper spray and one officer used a pepper ball device.”

Pepper balls are similar to a paint ball, but contain the same material as pepper spray.