FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) – Protesters returned to Ferguson streets last night, with reports of smashed windows and possible arson coming hours after a makeshift memorial for Michael Brown burned.
The St Louis suburb was the site of sometimes-violent protests and looting in the days after 18-year-old Brown, who was black, was shot by white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson on August 9.
Up to 200 protesters gathered late last night. Windows were smashed at a beauty shop on West Florissant Avenue, where much of the looting happened last month. A small fire outside a custard shop appeared to be intentionally set, according to fire officials.
Police began clearing the street around 12:15 a.m. today. There were no reports of injuries.
Media reports said arrests were made, but a Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman had no information on how many. The patrol scheduled a news conference today to discuss the unrest.
One of two memorials at the site where Brown was shot was destroyed in a fire early yesterday morning. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, but the fire renewed anger, especially among residents of the apartment community where Brown was killed.
Several people who gathered at the scene yesterday blamed police for not acting quickly enough to put out the fire, which destroyed teddy bears, signs and other items. The memorial site was quickly filled, becoming a new, and bigger, memorial.
Resentment lingers among those who question why Wilson hasn’t been arrested and remains on paid administrative leave. A state grand jury is weighing whether he should face charges but a decision isn’t expected until mid-October. The Justice Department is also investigating.
