Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, April 2, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - What began as a peaceful protest against the handling of the Trayvon Martin killing ended with 13 people arrested on Indianapolis’ northwest side Sunday.
Hundreds of members of Light of the World Christian Church at 4646 Michigan Road took part in the demonstration beginning at noon.
Dozens of police officers were on hand, including Chief Paul Ciesielski, for the event, planned along Michigan Road.
But officers had to step in when demonstrators joined arms and began blocking the roadway, police said.
"After being in the street for approximately 25 minutes, the demonstrators were told to disperse," said Indianapolis police spokesman Officer Anthony Schneider. "At that point, most of the demonstrators, with the exception of 13, left the roadway."
Seven men and six women were arrested.
Those arrested were not handcuffed, but were led to a wagon and taken away from the scene.
"We appreciate the great relationship we have with the Light of the World Christian Church," Ciesielski said in a news release. "I would like to thank Dr. Hampton for meeting and working with us to make sure the demonstration was peaceful and orderly. Our officers did a great job today and were very respectful to those arrested."
Police said the arrested protesters were given the option to receive a summons to appear in court or to be arrested. Eight chose to receive a summons. Five chose to be arrested, police said.
Police said Michigan Road was blocked for about 45 minutes.
In an earlier news release, church protest organizers said the peaceful event was meant to bring attention to the injustices of Martin's case, Indiana's similar laws and local black-on-black crime.
The 17-year-old Martin, a Florida high school student, was shot and killed by a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain in February, sparking national outrage.
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