Riot declared during anti-police rally in Seattle, 18 arrested

SEATTLE — An anti-SPOG (Seattle Police Officers Guild) rally that started out peacefully ended with 18 people arrested and three officers injured.

A crowd of protesters initially met at the Chinatown-International District light rail station about 7 p.m. and at about 9 p.m. they started marching south into the SODO area, heading to the police union building on Fourth Avenue.

Police said someone set off a large explosive, which exploded in front of an officer and attempted to break the window of a police vehicle.

Police then issued a dispersal order and as the group was pushed northbound on Fourth Avenue, fireworks were thrown at officers, officials said. Rocks and bottles were also thrown at officers.

Several officers were injured, including one who suffered a serious eye injury and was taken to Harborview Medical Center, police said.

And as protesters continued to throw explosives at officers, police said another officer suffered a burn to the neck.

During the clash, police declared a riot, and some protesters were detained.

According to police, OC spray and blast balls were used to stop the assault on officers.

The group of protesters was eventually pushed back into the International District, where police made more arrests.

According to officers,18 people were arrested and booked into the King County Jail.

Just before 11:30 p.m., the crowd had been cleared out.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Cox Media Group