Demonstration ends quickly

Sat., May 5, 2007

The Spokesman-Review

A demonstration by young people lasted seven minutes Friday as police quickly broke up a “reclaim the streets” protest in downtown Spokane.

Protesters had posted information about the event online and on fliers, so police knew exactly where and when it was set to begin, said Spokane police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee.

Fliers, with an illustration of Superman lifting a Volkswagen Beetle, told participants to meet in Riverfront Park at 4 p.m. and then later parade “to (an) undisclosed location.” Police estimated that about 80 people gathered in Riverfront Park. The group marched along Spokane Falls Boulevard, south on Lincoln Street to Main Avenue, and then continued east to Wall Street. There, some members of the group began drawing graffiti on the street, police said.

When about 12 police officers arrived, many members of the group fled but some were arrested – including four juveniles and one adult, Nickolas James Conklin, 19. He was arrested on suspicion of pedestrian interference, and the juveniles on suspicion of disorderly conduct.

Lee said the event began at 5:04 p.m. and ended at 5:11 p.m.

The flier advertising the event encouraged demonstrators to bring instruments, boom boxes, art supplies and couches, among other items.

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