Scottsdale sets up barricades in anticipation of protesters
Jun 5, 2020, 11:30 AM | Updated: 2:27 pm
(Facebook Photo/Scottsdale Police Department)
(Facebook Photo/Scottsdale Police Department)
PHOENIX — A week after looting erupted during a protest, Scottsdale police have implemented numerous traffic restrictions in preparation for potential marches this weekend.
Restrictions are predominantly set up near the downtown Scottsdale area and are scheduled to remain in place until Monday.
Police announced on Thursday that major barricaded areas will include 75th Street and Camelback Road, Indian School Road and Drinkwater Boulevard, and the Fashion Square mall/Scottsdale Waterfront area.
Police have also set up a free speech zone on Scottsdale Road in between Camelback Road and Highland Avenue.
A full list of affected locations can be found online.
There will be numerous traffic restrictions in downtown Scottsdale through the weekend in anticipation of further protests. Click on the link for specific details – https://t.co/8FbbeZCMDs pic.twitter.com/yS2jNqIIhh
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) June 4, 2020
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“We are aware that some in our community have expressed frustration and a desire for a much stronger response,” Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, police chief Alan Rodbell and city manager Jim Thompson said in a statement to the community on Thursday.
“Others have expressed their appreciation about how we responded. We hear you and remain committed to further community dialogue.”
For eight consecutive days, protests have been seen across the state in response to May 25’s death of Minnesotan George Floyd.
That same day, Arizonan Dion Johnson was also killed at the hands of law enforcement.
On May 30, looters caused damage to businesses in Old Town Scottsdale near Fashion Square mall.
Multiple stores were damaged, including Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store. Destruction was estimated at millions of dollars.
Some of the looting damage at Fashion Square Mall. @ScottsdalePD in SWAT gear trying to get looters to leave. Updates @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/9HCRLDV7Nq
— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) May 31, 2020
Scottsdale Fashion Square and a portion of Camelback Road were closed on Sunday.
The Scottsdale Police Department has arrested or charged more than 20 people and has recovered nearly $50,000 in stolen property in connection to the looting, with the age of the suspects ranging from 17 to 27.
Looters, not protesters, all teens and young adults, breaking into businesses and stealing from Scottsdale fashion Square. Shattered glass, stolen clothes cover the ground. Live at 11 PM @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/AtDLS4CPme
— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) May 31, 2020
Assistant Police Chief Scott Popp said during a press conference on May 31 that law enforcement used a chemical agent to secure the Fashion Square area.
“We did use chemical munitions… which we thought was totally appropriate,” he said.
