WAUWATOSA — On the third night of protests in Wauwatosa following the DA's decision not to charge Officer Joseph Mensah in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Alvin Cole, local law enforcement arrested a total of 28 adults and used tear gas to disperse crowds on Oct. 9.
According to Wauwatosa Police, law enforcement personnel made four unlawful assemble announcements to the crowds before using other tactics like tear gas, pepper balls and paintballs.
Police say these tactics were only used in self-defense as there were small children present in the crowds.
Because of the size of the crowds with dozens of people on foot and in vehicles, police say the National Guard was deployed.
By the time crowds were contained and dispersed, Wauwatosa Police personnel say they recovered a handgun, materials to start fires, including lighter fluid, and a stolen vehicle.
People are asking us valid questions about our police responses over the last three nights. For example, why are we concerned about bottles being thrown at us? pic.twitter.com/CUpLg8yhvs
— Wauwatosa Police (WI) (@WauwatosaPD) October 10, 2020
Of the 28 arrests that night, two were felony arrests, one was a misdemeanor, and 25 were municipal arrests. Police say the Wauwatosa Fire Department evaluated two adults who were arrested for minor injuries.
Wauwatosa Police put out a statement saying, " We can appreciate the anger and frustration that exists among those closely affected by recent events. We continue to ask that all citizens comply with the emergency order in place by remaining away from City of Wauwatosa public spaces during the hours of 7:00 pm and 6:00 am each night to ensure the safety of all members of our community. This order expires on Monday, October 12 at 6:00 am."
