Police arrest Occupy Bellingham protesters

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Four Occupy Bellingham protesters have been arrested as police enforced an eviction notice on the encampment Wednesday.

The Bellingham Herald says (http://bit.ly/vbr0CF) police officers in riot gear moved in to Maritime Heritage Park, a day after the city had warned the encampment that it was being evicted.

Lt. Rick Sucee says two men and a woman were arrested for trespassing in the park, while another man was arrested for disorderly conduct. He says the park was cleared peacefully with no injuries reported.

About 40 people were at the encampment on Wednesday. Protesters have camped at the park since late October to protest against wealth inequality.

Mayor Dan Pike says complaints about the damage to the park prompted him to action, even if he agrees with some of protesters’ demands. Occupy members condemned the vacate letter, saying that the city is encroaching on their First Amendment rights.

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Information from: The Bellingham Herald, http://www.bellinghamherald.com