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Police dispersing protesters in Kalamazoo out after curfew

Posted at 7:53 PM, Jun 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-02 21:28:39-04

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — People in Kalamazoo stood in the intersection protesting the overnight curfew enforced by the city Tuesday night.

The curfew issued today started at 7 p.m. and ends at 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Watch the scene here

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley pleaded with protesters to go home before officers would be forced to remove them.

"We gotta stop this!" the assistant chief yelled to the crowd before taking a knee and speaking with a protester.

KDPS gave those gathered an extra 30 minutes to disperse, then fired colorful warning smoke into the crowd.

Soon after the warnings expired people in the area, including FOX 17 crews, were peppered with tear gas canisters.

People began runnin, as KDPS officers pushed their lines forward and the crowd dispersed, leaving the intersection clear.

Kalamazoo officers were backed by the Michigan National Guard, Michigan State Police and Kalamazoo Township Police Department.