St. Louis police arrested 9 people following a night protests that some people used as an opportunity to commit acts of arson, break-ins and looting.
The unrest stems from the shooting death of 18-year old back teen Mansur Ball-Beyby two white officers, on Wednesday August 19.
Authorities say Ball-Bey ran, then pointed a gun at them when they arrived at his residence to serve a search warrant for guns and drugs used in a felony. Police fired a total of four shots, killing the teen.
Following the shooting police said they found four guns and crack cocaine in the home.
Citizens took to the streets and began to protest the shooting almost immediately. By nightfall things turned ugly as rocks and bottles were thrown at police. Officers responded by deploying teargas.
“There has to be a better way, but the better way is not to terrorize an already terrorized community,” Rev. Renita Lamkin told St. Louis Today. “How they deal with the situation is classist and dehumanizing. The people here don't matter as much to them.”
Property owner Gary Taylor said he supported the police actions "because they wouldn't stop.""These are not even people who live in this neighborhood," Taylor said. "None of these people I recognize."
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