Dozens arrested in protests against Iraq war shipments in Olympia (pepper spray bullets deployed)

OLYMPIA — About 50 people have been arrested as demonstrators tried to block shipments of military gear for an Army Stryker Brigade that returned recently to nearby Fort Lewis from Iraq, police said.

Police wearing riot gear fired pepper spray bullets into a crowd of more than 150 protesters Tuesday night at the Port of Olympia and several military convoys eventually moved out.

There was no immediate word on charges. Those who were arrested were held on a transit bus under police guard.

During the disorders a window in a police cruiser was broken by several rocks and another rock hit an officer in the knee, police Lt. James Costa said.

Convoys exit port amid violent confrontation
Pepper spray used to disperse crowds
Jeremy Pawloski
The Olympian

OLYMPIA — OLYMPIA — Demonstrators gathered at the Port of Olympia’s main gate Tuesday night to block military shipments from the port to Fort Lewis, but the Army outflanked them and moved several convoys out another gate.

Olympia police in riot gear wore gas masks as they prepared to remove protesters from the main entrance about 11 p.m. At the same time, military convoys left for Fort Lewis from the port exit to Marine Drive.

Protesters ran to the Marine Drive location and attempted to block the convoy, and police responded to protesters blocking Stryker vehicles by shooting pepper-spray bullets and pepper spray into the crowd. About 50 people were arrested Tuesday night, police said. A witness said police also threw two concussion grenades into the crowd.

(more)

http://www.theolympian.com/570/story/271003.html

Army slips convoys past protesters at port; about 50 arrested
Jeremy Pawloski
The Olympian

OLYMPIA — Demonstrators gathered at the Port of Olympia’s main gate Tuesday night to block military shipments from the port to Fort Lewis, but the Army outflanked them and moved several convoys out another gate. ...

Janis Duddles, 56, of Olympia, said she was arrested about midnight after yelling at police. She said she isn't a member of a protest group and was shocked by the proceedings.

She said she was held in a 9-by-10-foot cell with 17 people for about two hours, then was released because she has a heart condition and told officers at the jail.

"I think the biggest deal is not necessarily what was happening on the street, but somehow, the Olympia Police Department thinks it's OK to put 17 people in 90 square feet," Duddles said. "How dare they."

She said that the others in the cell, all women in their 20s, weren't allowed to leave.

"That's breaking my heart, those little girls are stuck in there," Duddles said at 2:15 a.m.

(more)

http://www.theolympian.com/570/story/270279.html

Photos:
http://community.theolympian.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=17966

Video:
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_111407WABport_olympia_protest_LJ.e22088.html

http://www.komotv.com/news/11269046.html