EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) – Those involved with Occupy Eugene recovered Friday after a hectic day of protests in the downtown area as a part of “National Day of Action.”
Eugene Police arrested 17 people for a variety of reasons, but protestors told NewsSource 16 they plan to fight the charges. Only one person was charged with resisting and physical harassment. Others face criminal trespassing citations which can carry a base of $280 dollar fine. Many were cited and released because of a lack of jail space.
All of the arrests were made because protestors were blocking the doors to local bank branches. Police said they didn’t respond until the banks complained.
“We're proud to say that we're able to protect free speech, and to ensure the safety of our citizens. However, we're ready to respond to anything, and we're hoping that we can remain involved in peaceful protests, rather than some of the violence we've seen in other cities,” said Lieutenant Doug Mozan from the Eugene Police Department.
The group has another rally already scheduled for Saturday, November 19th to get kids involved.
