State Police in New Haven, Connecticut reportedly have their hands full with demonstrations against the new president. The latest “fad” in protesting seems to be trying to shut down busy highways and other streets. It is a practice that can have potentially deadly consequences and posses safety risks to both motorists and protesters. And over the weekend, we saw how it can potentially have an impact on a critically ill patient trying to get to a hospital.
The State Police say 66-year-old Norman Clement led a large anti-Trump rally on Interstate 95 over the weekend. The protesters were expressing displeasure over Trump immigration policy by apparently building their own human wall to black traffic.
When the Troopers showed up, Clement was said to be one of about 100-200 people attempting to black traffic around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The cops went to work clearing the protesters, both because blocking traffic is a crime in the of state of Connecticut, and they say they are taking a hard stand on the new favorite tactic of protesters.
The State Police also explained through a written statement why this particular situation was so serious and why the hard line is needed. You see they say the protesters were blocking an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to the hospital.
“The protesters were in the process of being cleared from the highway, but not before they obstructed an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient. Due to this delay ambulance personnel were required to perform an emergency medical procedure in the ambulance instead of at the hospital,” the police wrote on FaceBook.
The cops then worked to identify an apparent crowd organizer/protest leader, who was evidently using a bullhorn to incite the crowd and give directions. The cops say that man was Clement and he took off running once he knew they were after him.
“Clement ran from law enforcement personnel through the crowd, knocking over several of his supporters, before being apprehended. Clement actively resisted arrest and was sprayed with (pepper spray),” police wrote.
Clement was ultimately captured and charged with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct, interfering with an officer and reckless use of the highway by a pedestrian.
He posted a $5,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 13, according to the police.
[image via State Police]
