J.M. Bell

Posted By JM Bell on August 25, 2008

I was driving away from the Denver Convention Center and all hell broke loose at 15th and Court street.

There were riot cops suddenly swarming in, by the hundreds (seriously) from every direction. Fast response vehicles, mounted police, foot troops, and everyone wearing tie-fighter amour.

I have no idea what the hell was happening, but gun shots were heard, heads were bonked and pepper spray was shared liberally (see what I did there?) over the area. All the time more and more riot cops swarmed into the area.

I watched a lot of people getting yelled at by the cops as i stood there and watched. I wasn’t running around and screaming, nor was I yelling at the cops like some of the chuckleheads.

After a few minutes, a nice cop in full riot gear, gas masked included walked up to me.

COP: “How ya doin’?”
ME: “Not too bad, thanks.”
COP: “You like the smell of tear gas?”
ME: “Not really.”
COP: “You might want to wander off, then, because that’s how it’s going to smell here in a minute.”
ME: “Good to know. How much time do I have?”
COP: “About thirty seconds ago.”
ME: “Good to know…”

That’s when the cloud of tear gas hit me. I’m heading back to the Hotel to scrub out my eyes.

For the record: I hate the smell of tear gas.

Pictures tomorrow.

UPDATE – Silly Anarchists

Turns out the Anarchists were playing silly buggers on the street.

Protesters And Police Clash, Pepper Sray Used
Section: Democratic National Convention Section
By Judith Kohler & Colleen Slevin, AP Writers

DENVER (AP) ― Police in riot gear used pepper spray on protesters about a mile from the site of the Democratic National Convention on Monday night.

The confrontation erupted in front of the Denver City and County Building as police tried to disperse a crowd of about 300 that was disrupting traffic, authorities said.

It was believed to be the first time police used any kind of force against protesters since demonstrations began on Sunday, a day before the convention.

Police Lt. Ron Saunier said he didn’t know if anyone had been arrested, but officers on the scene led at least two people away as the crowd chanted “Let them go!”

“The situation is still very fluid and active,” Saunier said.

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