Springfield police arrested five people during a Facebook-organized demonstration on Park Central Square Friday. The protest was held as a judge was deciding whether or not Missouri’s only abortion provider should remain open.
Interactions between protesters and counter-protesters turned violent, and Springfield police officers say, while attempting to make an arrest, they were assaulted by “multiple individuals.”
These are the people arrested on Friday and the charges against them:
- Colin A. Douglas, 34-year-old white male, was arrested for 4th-degree assault and resisting arrest.
- Lateya C. King, 18-year-old black female, was arrested for 4th-degree assault special victims(LEO) and resisting arrest.
- Jacob D. Clark-Browning, 20-year-old white male, was arrested for 4th-degree assault special victims(LEO) and resisting arrest.
- Christopher Prather, 30-year-old white male, was arrested for 4th-degree assault special victims(LEO) and resisting arrest.
- Brady Markgraf, 19-year-old white male, was arrested for 4th-degree assault special victims(LEO) and resisting arrest.
SPS said there might be additional charges after a review of a video of the event.
A statement made by the city said that “SPD and the City of Springfield support and respect the right to free speech. The downtown square is a public place where citizens can openly voice their opinions and concerns without the need for a permit.”
Police chief, Paul Williams, said “police are on hand to ensure the safety of all assembled and only intervene when that safety is threatened.”
