FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KDVR) — Three people have been arrested after a pro-police rally turned violent in Fort Collins on Saturday. A witness captured the scene showing several people fighting.
According to Fort Collins Police, fights broke out between members of different groups near the Fort Collins Police Services building on Timberline Road. Officers worked to contact all of the people that were directly involved which resulted in three arrests and one citation.
-25-year-old Anna Kruger was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest
-42-year-old Michael Townley was arrested for for disorderly conduct
-37-year-old Joshua Mischler-DeLeon was arrested for disorderly conduct and possession of an illegal weapon
-42-year-old James Reitman was cited for criminal tampering
Police say active aggressors were present on both sides and ‘enforcement action’ was taken but they didn’t specify what they had to do to control the crowd.
“We respect everyone’s right to peacefully assemble. Our officers have consistently supported these rights in recent months as people have gathered to make their voices heard,” said Chief Jeff Swoboda. “For the safety of our community, acts of violence and other unlawful behavior have not and will not be tolerated from anyone.”
One of the men throwing punches during the brawl tells the Problem Solvers a counter protestor pepper sprayed an Air Force veteran in a wheelchair, which spurred the fight. That source is now talking to police.
Some of the people who were fighting left the scene before police identified them. Officers are reviewing video and talking with witnesses to try to locate those individuals. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective CJ O’Loughlin at (970)416-2571.