RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond Police made several arrests Thursday night during a protest in the downtown area.
Earlier in the day, police said they were aware of a potential event scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Lee Circle.
Around 9:30 p.m., a few dozen protesters – led by the group “Black Lives Matter 757” – assembled nearby at the Stuart Circle. They marched alongside several protest support vehicles for approximately an hour before the vehicles drove into oncoming traffic at E Broad and N 9th streets, according to police.
During that encounter, police officers wrote 10 summonses for various traffic offenses to include reckless driving and served two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
They also arrested Stephen Ward for carrying a concealed weapon. He was released on summons. Attached is a photo of the items he had on his person.
Some members of the group then continued marching in the downtown area.
Around 11:30 p.m., police officers said they observed Kevin Beecher throw a traffic cone at an occupied tractor trailer, traveling through the intersection of W Broad and N Henry streets. The cone damaged the windshield (photo above).
Police said Beecher then ran, which resulted in a short pursuit. He was apprehended a block away at W Broad and N Monroe streets.
Beecher has been charged with inciting a riot, throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, destruction of property, and pedestrian in roadway.
