Hundreds protest against Anaheim police

(CBS/AP) In the ninth consecutive day of protests more than 200 people gathered outside Anaheim Police Department headquarters Sunday, to demonstrate against recent officer-involved shootings and to issue a call for community peace.

The Orange County Register reports a separate group of about 100 people silently marched along a two-mile stretch of a main thoroughfare.

Nine people were arrested in the mostly-peaceful demonstrations. Sgt. Bob Dunn says most of those arrested face minor charges including failure to disperse and blocking traffic.

This was in marked contrast to protests last weekend and Tuesday, when tensions were extremely high and dozens were arrested. Police shot crowds with bean bags and rubber bullets last Saturday and accidentally released a police dog on one man.

Sunday's demonstrations occurred just hours before an evening memorial service for Manuel Diaz, a 25-year-old man who was shot dead July 21.

The fatal shooting touched off days of violence, and preceded another police shooting the next day, when police shot to death Joel Acevedo, a suspected gang member they say fired at officers following a pursuit.

Last Tuesday, more than 20 businesses were damaged when protest turned to riot. Windows were broken at police headquarters and City Hall, and scores of protesters threw rocks and bottles at police cruisers.

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Sunday's protest began around noon outside Anaheim police headquarters.

KCAL correspondent Bobby Kaple reports police were ready for the crowds, noting, "They are in battle gear."

The police presence was heavy. Many were on horseback and there were tactical units on several key rooftops.

"The goal here is to facilitate a peaceful protest and allow people to express their First Amendment rights and to help facilitate that in a safe way," said Sgt. Bob Dunn. "We also want to make sure we don't let the crowd get violent."

Protester Anne Barron explained to KCAL why she has been out in force for several days. "There have just been too many killings," she said. "Too many killings."

On the sidewalk outside the Anaheim Police Station, there were angry chalk messages left by demonstrators. They also left a chalk outline of a body, with Diaz's name in the middle.

Said Barron, "It's not just Anaheim; it's all over the country where you see cops becoming vigilantes . . . instead of using due process. And the last man shot in the back of the head? Unacceptable."

Protester Iris Thomas seeks action. "Something needs to happen. Take the police off the horses and out of the cars and put them back on the street where they belong, getting to know their community."

A memorial vigil for Manuel Diaz was held later Sunday evening. The Orange County Register reports the audience grew to about 200 as the Rev. Father Arturo Ferreras of St. Mathew Church blessed the site on Anna Drive where Diaz died, then blessed the neighborhood children who witnessed the violence.

Ferreras urged young people to reject gangs and work for the benefit of the community, by becoming lawyers, nurses and activists.