25 arrested Peacefully at Occupy Portland. Our police deserve a hug! [View All]

[Rabblevox]

edit for clarification. We are still occupying the original two parks 24/7, just the new third site was shut down last night)

Twenty-five Occupy Portland demonstrators were arrested early this morning after refusing to leave Jamison Square.
The arrests capped an intense hours-long standoff between police and dozens of protesters who refused to leave the Pearl District park after it was declared closed at midnight. Officers, some in riot gear and others on horses, faced off with protesters who remained in the square, despite being ordered to leave.

After the park's closure at midnight, a group of demonstrators remained, facing off with police. Officers used night sticks and horses, shoving people to the south end of the park. A circle of protesters remained seated in the center of the square wearing bandannas over their mouths and making peace signs with their hands. The crowd on the edges of the park, meanwhile, grew increasingly agitated, yelling at police: "Whose park? Our park," and "You guys are bullies!"

Demonstrators were arrested on accusations of trespassing, interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct for the noise complaints from neighbors. Their names will be released later this morning.

Portland Police Chief Mike Reese said more people would have been arrested but many chose to walk away minutes before officers handcuffed them. Reese said police waited to make arrests, hoping people would leave instead of being arrested.
"At the end of the night, there were people who did want to be arrested, so we did that in the nicest way possible," Reese said.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/10/portland_police_arrest_25_occu.html


Check out the quote from our Police Chief: "At the end of the night, there were people who did want to be arrested, so we did that in the nicest way possible," Reese said.

I actually want to give our Chief of Police a hug right now. THAT'S how you do your job as a cop, without losing your soul in the process. (Hey Chief, why don't you drop by the hugs tent today? You earned one last night.)

Also, MAJOR up-twinkles to everyone involved with Occupy Portland for doing such an incredible job keeping things sane and safe and responsible.

That's how we roll here folks!