SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Demonstrators clashed with police Sunday night during a Utah protest over the death of a man who was fatally shot by police two years ago in a Salt Lake City suburb, authorities said.
Police Lt. Dan Bartlett said officers in the city of Cottonwood Heights took eight people into custody and impounded three vehicles during the demonstration Sunday in a residential neighborhood, the Deseret News reported.
The clash happened after police received complaints from neighbors about the protesters blocking roads. Police told protesters they had to stay on the sidewalks or face arrest, Bartlett said.
Police said there were several fights and officers were hit and sprayed with pepper spray. Several protesters were wrestled to the ground by police, including one man who was left with a bloodied face, according to images of the events.
The “March for Justice” focused on the death of Zane James, who was shot and killed by a Cottonwood Heights Police officer in 2018.
James fled from police on a motorcycle after allegedly committing two armed robberies, police said.
He was shot by the officer who said he was reaching into his pockets and clothing as he fled. Police said they found a pellet gun in his pocket after he was shot.
Sunday’s rally began at a park in the community about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.
Protesters then marched into a residential neighborhood where the clashes with police occurred.
Protester Eric Jerome told the Deseret News it was a dance protest that was calm until police arrived.
“It’s the most positive, peaceful protest I’ve been to. It’s all about spreading love and positivity to these neighborhoods, these communities” Jerome said. “And the police showed up – three cars at first on either side – and tried to tell us to stay on the sidewalk.”
The protesters returned to the park after the altercations and police said they would allow a peaceful demonstration if participants did not block streets and left the park before a 10 p.m. curfew.
