CLEVELAND, Ohio - Police made 17 arrests Wednesday in the area surrounding the Republican National Convention. At least five arrests were made when protesters clashed with police at a park near the security zone.
Police say two officers were punched and pushed, but only sustained minor injuries.
It started at a public flag burning. In a press conference Wednesday, the city's Police Chief said the fire grew out of control and that's when officers and firefighters stepped in to break things up. Burning the American flag is protected by the U.S. Constitution as free speech.
As of Wednesday afternoon police have arrested 22 people. 17 of those arrests were on Wednesday alone. Charges range from Felonious Assault on Police Officer to failure to disperse and resisting arrest.
Security gates and checkpoints are set up around the Convention area. Convention goers need special passes to pass the security barriers.
