We've seen a lot of protests and marches around the country since the new president took office last month. Peaceful protest is our right as Americans. However, if protesters harm someone or break the law, they can be arrested.
On Feb. 4, Connecticut State Police arrested a protester for blocking an ambulance during a demonstration against President Trump's immigration policies. Authorities say the ambulance was "carrying a critically ill patient."
The 66-year-old New Haven man was reportedly leading a group of about 100 to 200 protesters who were blocking an exit ramp from Route 34 to Interstate 95. The CSP warned protesters that blocking any roadway is against the law.
According to the CSP, the man "ran from law enforcement personnel through the crowd, knocking over several of his supporters, before being apprehended. They say he "actively resisted arrest." The protester got pepper-sprayed before being taken into custody. He was charged with disorderly conduct, inciting a riot, reckless highway use and interfering with an officer.
Officers say that because the ambulance was blocked, first responders had to perform "an emergency medical procedure" in the vehicle since they couldn't get to the hospital.
It's easy to get caught up in the emotions of a demonstration. However, it's essential to remember that injuring anyone or putting someone else at risk can land you in jail. In the chaos of a protest, it's also sometimes hard for law enforcement officers to determine exactly who broke the law.
If you're facing charges stemming from a demonstration in which you participated, it's important to seek legal guidance and protection of your rights.
Source: MassLive.com, "Connecticut Police arrest protester who blocked ambulance during anti-President Donald Trump rally," Jeanette DeForge, Feb. 05, 2017
We've seen a lot of protests and marches around the country since the new president took office last month. Peaceful protest is our right as Americans. However, if protesters harm someone or break the law, they can be arrested.
On Feb. 4, Connecticut State Police arrested a protester for blocking an ambulance during a demonstration against President Trump's immigration policies. Authorities say the ambulance was "carrying a critically ill patient."
The 66-year-old New Haven man was reportedly leading a group of about 100 to 200 protesters who were blocking an exit ramp from Route 34 to Interstate 95. The CSP warned protesters that blocking any roadway is against the law.
According to the CSP, the man "ran from law enforcement personnel through the crowd, knocking over several of his supporters, before being apprehended. They say he "actively resisted arrest." The protester got pepper-sprayed before being taken into custody. He was charged with disorderly conduct, inciting a riot, reckless highway use and interfering with an officer.
Officers say that because the ambulance was blocked, first responders had to perform "an emergency medical procedure" in the vehicle since they couldn't get to the hospital.
It's easy to get caught up in the emotions of a demonstration. However, it's essential to remember that injuring anyone or putting someone else at risk can land you in jail. In the chaos of a protest, it's also sometimes hard for law enforcement officers to determine exactly who broke the law.
If you're facing charges stemming from a demonstration in which you participated, it's important to seek legal guidance and protection of your rights.
Source: MassLive.com, "Connecticut Police arrest protester who blocked ambulance during anti-President Donald Trump rally," Jeanette DeForge, Feb. 05, 2017