Pittsburgh Police Charge 11, Release Details In Jail Protest
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) - Pittsburgh Police have charged 11 people after protesters threw rocks, broke windows and set off "large-scale" fireworks during a protest outside the Allegheny County Jail.
The defendants are facing numerous charges, including disorderly conduct, possessing instruments of crime, causing/risking a catastrophe, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, institutional vandalism, aggravated assault, possessing a small amount of marijuana, possessing prohibited offensive weapons, and resisting arrest.
They have been identified as: Tyler James Kobel, 25, of Altoona; James Patrick Griffin, 25, of Allison Park; Blanca Chaves-Alvarez, 29, of Lawrenceville; Nicholas Baynes Hodgson, 36, homeless; Anthony Michael Ambroso, 26, of Upper St. Clair; Liam Scott Swanson, 25, of Squirrel Hill; Thomas B. Stiller, Jr., 26, of South Side; Joshua Shande Szymanski, 22, Point Breeze; Ian Matthew Greynolds, 22, of Bloomfield; Raina Christine Legrand, 23, of Garfield; and Morgan Lindsey Prescott, 22, of York.
Police say about 25 people from the Allegheny County Health Justice Project gathered about 8 p.m. Monday.
Lisa Washington's Report:
Two bicycle officers intervened and scuffled with two protesters, each carrying a backpack. One man's backpack contained mace, a loaded pistol - which he was licensed to carry - brass knuckles and a pocket knife. Police say they found knives and other weapons on some other protesters.
One officer injured his shoulder as he tried to subdue Kobel. An officer reported pulling his Taser on Kobel, who was resisting arrest.
A second officer said Griffin, who carried a loaded 9mm pistol in his backpack, tried to pull away from the officer who was arresting him. A second officer was needed to help place him in custody.
On Tuesday afternoon, it is a much different scene at the jail. Peaceful protesters sat outside of Pittsburgh Municipal Court. They hung two banners on the wall and were offering people coffee. KDKA's Julie Grant tried to ask them what they are protesting, but a clear answer was never provided.
However, the group has said they are protesting insufficient medical care for inmates.
The jail's security wasn't breached during Monday night's incident.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
