“Massive Protest” In St. Louis Over Ex-Cop’s Acquittal Turns Violent, Tear Gas Deployed As 32 Arrested
September 17, 2017 in News by RBN Staff
source: www.zerohedge.com
by Tyler Durden
Protesters in St. Louis Friday night blocked highways, damaged public and private property, broke windows, threw rocks at the mayor’s house and threw bricks at police officers who in turn responded by firing tear gas, after Jason Stockley, a white ex-cop was acquitted in the 2011 fatal shooting of a black man earlier on Friday. At least 32 people were arrested, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said. Ten officers were injured – 9 St. Louis Police Department officers and one Missouri Highway Patrol officer – two of whom were transported to a hospital with injuries sustained after being hit by a brick.
A total of 8 officers have sustained injuries throughout the day. #STLVerdict
Some officers were wearing protective gear due to items being thrown at them.
Rocks & water bottles have been thrown at our officers throughout the day. Officers used great restraint. #STLVerdict
As reported on Friday, the protests were expected after St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson found 36-year-old Jason Stockley not guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. On Dec. 20, 2011, the then-police officer shot 24-year-old Lamar Smith five times after a high-speed chase and crash.
Protesters march in St. Louis, after a judge found a white former police officer,
Jason Stockley, not guilty of first-degree murder in the death of a black man
Stockley and his partner at the time, Brian Bianchi, were trying to apprehend Smith for a suspected drug deal at a Church’s Chicken restaurant, according to court documents. Stockley was facing up to life in prison without parole had he been convicted of both charges.
Crowds of people gathered today near the courthouse in downtown St. Louis to protest the ruling. Police blocked streets nearby so demonstrators could march. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, anticipating protests in response to the controversial ruling, released a statement saying he understood the verdict is painful for many St. Louisans.
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