A Detroit Police Department SUV was caught on film driving through a crowd of “peaceful” protesters after a few people mounted the hood of the vehicle.
The incident took place at West Vernor near Dix, heading toward Clark Park, around 9:30 p.m, according to The Detroit News.
In the footage protesters surrounded the vehicle chanting “no justice, no peace,” until the situation escalated as some revelers climbed the police SUV, which prompted the officer to drive away from the scene, through the crowd.
Detroit Police Department drove into 10-12 protesters including myself. Multiple people are going to the hospital. #NoJusticeNoPeace #detroitpolice #GeorgeFloyd #BreonnaTayor #PoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/etj3a6ejzN
— Activist Ethan Ketner (@DJEazyTwist) June 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/SydJones6/status/1277420519810379776
One protester remained on the hood as police attempted to leave the area, jerking suddenly to shake any stragglers off the SUV. Some protesters appeared to be hit by the vehicle, with a few attendees reportedly requiring medical attention.
Protesters when chased down the cop car after the officers had driven off as “the officer tried to escape,” explained the department.
An eyewitness took to Facebook to write:
Detroit Police Department just ran straight through a bunch of our protesters. Myself and 10-12 others were struck by this reckless driver who somehow has a badge. Someone was trapped on the hood and eventually tossed as the officer swerved to throw him off.
These officers drove into our protest after we walked past their vehicles. They did not need to drive past us for emergency purposes because they had other officers on the other side ready. This was a clear act of aggression.
Multiple people injured because of this officers actions are headed to hospitals.
Another eyewitness, speaking with Freep, said:
“In response to that, he just floored it,” Bass said. “He went super fast. Me and a couple of other organizers that were with me, just went flinging off. We went flying off. He ran over a couple people’s arms, feet. He ran over her phone. I think I was the last person on the car. I was just holding onto the car. I could feel him speeding up and then he did one of these and he flinged me off the car.”
Those driving through protests are offered a difficult choice at times as, sometimes, protesters have turned violent, attacking drivers and passengers alike.
In Colorado, a driver was shot in the head execution style by a local attorney with a small caliber handgun as he stopped at an intersection during a protest.
