Police injured at protest

SEATTLE – Police say black-clad May Day marchers hurled wrenches and rocks at officers and hit police with sticks as a Friday evening march through a Seattle neighborhood turned violent, injuring three officers, though not seriously.

Police responded with pepper spray and pepper balls, quickly arresting 15 people. Officers said several dozen vehicles were damaged.

Seattle police Capt. Chris Fowler said the evening event “turned into a riot.” Mayor Ed Murray said police would continue to work to protect people and property.

Bicycle officers shadowed the marchers, keeping them off Interstate 5 and away from downtown. They eventually wound up back at the plaza where they began what was billed as an anti-capitalist march.

Hundreds of people earlier joined in peaceful May Day marches in Seattle and Yakima in support of workers’ rights, an end to police brutality and other causes.

In Yakima, a crowd of at least 500 marchers called for increased attention to immigrant and worker rights.