Ferguson Protests Erupt in Providence

Protesters Tuesday evening in Providence blocked both lanes of I-95 near the Providence Public Safety Complex in protest of a Grand Jury decision to not indict the Ferguson, Missouri police officer who shot and killed teenager Michael Brown.

Holding signs and loudly chanting, the group of more than 400 protesters had initially started marching on city streets, but the situation escalated into a dangerous scene at approximately 9:00 pm when 100 or more protesters jumped a fence near Washington Street, and occupied both lanes of the interstate highway, blocking traffic in both directions for more than 30 minutes. 

The protests were organized by a group called ‘End Police Brutality PVD’. The rally was in response to the decision by a Missouri grand jury Monday evening to not indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teenager, Michael Brown.

State Police were able to clear the scene, arresting five individuals, who are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday. 

Similar protests simultaneously occurred around the U.S., including in Boston.

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