ST. PAUL — State Patrol troopers and Minneapolis police officers cited and released 646 people for being a pedestrian on a freeway and public nuisance following a protest that began on city streets in Minneapolis and continued onto I-94 near Riverside. Six vehicles were also towed.
No force or chemicals were used, and no protestors or law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
I-94 was closed between I-35W and Hwy. 280 when protestors entered the freeway. The road reopened at 1:23 a.m.
Under Minnesota law, it is illegal for pedestrian, bicycle or non-motorized traffic to be on the freeway. In addition, walking on the freeway is very dangerous for pedestrians and drivers, especially after dark.
The State Patrol and Minneapolis PD were assisted last night by Hennepin County Sherriff’s office, U of M PD, and Metro Transit PD.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
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