Extra
Updated: Oakland: At Least 100 People Detained Near YMCA in Occupy Protest
At least 100 people have been detained and face possible arrest outside the YMCA at 2350 Broadway in Oakland after allegedly attempting to force entry into the building, according to Oakland police.
Police surrounded the protestors and stated that they had failed to comply with multiple orders to disperse, and therefore were under arrest.
A protestor broadcasting live video of the event said protestors were trying to escape through the YMCA after being surrounded by police, and not attempting to occupy it. A police spokesman said there was property damage to the YMCA but did not have details.
Protestors and police clashed earlier today when a crowd that police estimated at around 450 to 500 marched from Frank Ogawa Plaza and attempted to take over the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
Occupy organizers said the plan today was to go to a vacant building that was to be their new home. Once they reach their destination, organizers had planned to kick off a two-day "Oakland Rise-up Festival" to celebrate the establishment of the movement's new space.
Police said protestors began tearing down perimeter fences at the center around 2:30 p.m., and were ordered to disperse at 2:50 p.m.
Officers were allegedly pelted with bottles, metal pipe, rocks, spray cans, improvised explosive devices and burning flares, according to police. Police said they used smoke bombs and tear gas, and protestors at the scene reported officers using batons on individuals in the crowd.
As of around 5 p.m., 19 people had been arrested and three police officers had been injured. One of those officers suffered a laceration to the face and two received injuries to their hands.
A police spokesman said he was not aware of any injuries to protestors.
By around 4 p.m., the bulk of the group had retreated to the plaza and regrouped. A second march set out from Frank Ogawa Plaza around 5:30 p.m.
Sg/ld0735p01/28/12
CONTACT: City of Oakland spokeswoman Karen Boyd (510) 238-6365
Copyright © 2012 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
/www/bcn/general/01/newsclip.12.01.28.19.29.33.26.txt
