DENVER (AP) — A standoff between protesters and authorities near the steps of the Colorado Capitol has erupted into a clash that resulted in a surge of demonstrators being met with police force that included reports of pepper spray and rubber bullets.
The situation downtown Saturday escalated when some supporters of the Occupy Wall Street movement marching in a group of about 2,000 tried to advance up the Capitol steps.
About eight officers scuffled with a group of protesters, according to The Denver Post (http://goo.gl/fkQkk). Police confirmed that they used pepper spray and either rubber bullets or pepper balls to break up the crowd.
A protester said police used peppery spray and rubber bullets.
Denver police spokesman Matt Murray said seven were arrested, including two for assault and one for disobedience.
