APD says protest was mostly peaceful, except for a few 'agitators'

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department released a statement Tuesday in response to an immigration protest that happened on Monday night at North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane.

APD said the protests were mostly peaceful, however, a separate group of "agitators" had thrown rocks at police officers and were driving recklessly, disturbing the peace.

During the first gathering at 1:30 p.m., police said in an attempt to detain a driver, a brief pursuit occurred that resulted in the arrest of the individual for reckless driving and impoundment of the vehicle.

After this occurred, the organizers asked the crowd to disperse, according to APD.

Later at 9 p.m., APD said the agitators returned to the protest area, where a fight then occurred, which prompted another response from police officers.

Officers again had rocks and bottles thrown at them which led APD to use PepperBalls. APD said PepperBalls are "less lethal skin irritants similar to that of pepper spray, in an attempt to prevent further violence."

During the second crowd dispersal, an individual who refused to move out of the street was arrested, according to APD.

"As always, APD respects our community’s right to peacefully demonstrate, however, we will not tolerate behavior that puts our community and officers in danger," a statement from APD said.