FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - Officers in armored vehicles lobbed canisters of irritants that made people's eyes and lungs burn, dispersing crowds in Ferguson after a police car was vandalized, business windows shattered and gunshots rang in the streets.
Some protesters erupted in anger after the announcement that Officer Darren Wilson won't be indicted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Protesters overran a barricade and taunted police. Some chanted "murderer" and others threw rocks and other items.
The windows of a police car were smashed and protesters tried to topple it before it was set on fire. Officers responded by firing what authorities said was smoke and pepper spray into the crowd. Protesters insisted it was tear gas.
Some in the crowd reportedly tried to stop others from taking part in the violence.
Posted previously:
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - St. Louis County Police say officers have used smoke and pepper spray to disperse crowds near the Ferguson Police Department after some protesters smashed the windows of a police car and threw rocks and other items at authorities.
Police cars were vandalized and several gunshots were heard Monday night as crowds erupted in anger after the announcement that Officer Darren Wilson will not be indicted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
Some in the crowd reportedly tried to stop others from taking part in vandalism and other violence.
Previous:
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - A crowd gathered in Ferguson erupted in anger, throwing things at police and knocking down a barricade as a county prosecutor announced that police Officer Darren Wilson will not face charges in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
As St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch read his statement on the decision Monday night, a crowd gathered around a car from which his news conference was being broadcast on a stereo. Brown's mother, Lesley McSpadden, sat atop the vehicle.
When the decision was announced, McSpadden burst into tears and began screaming before being whisked away by supporters.
The crowd converged on a barricade where police in riot gear stood along the street. They pushed the barricade down and began pelting police with items, including a bullhorn. Officers stood their ground.
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