Several people charged after altercation during Atlantic City demonstration
Police say some people were charged in connection with the altercation, while others were arrested after refusing to clear a street and access area near the Public Safety Building.
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Several people were charged after an altercation broke out during a demonstration in Atlantic City on Saturday, according to police.
The demonstration began around 11 a.m. in the 2700 block of Atlantic Avenue and was initially peaceful. Police said an altercation later broke out among several people in the crowd.
As officers left the city's Public Safety Building to respond, police said they encountered several protesters who had moved into the street and another person in an area that had been kept open for access to the building. Police said the individuals were directed to clear the areas but did not comply and were arrested.
Police also charged people they said were involved in the original altercation. One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Diana Chaparro, 50, of Hammonton, and Devon Barber, 28, of Atlantic City, were charged with simple assault. Jose Salazar, 18, of Princeton, was charged with simple assault and illegal possession of a chemical device involving pepper spray.
Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez, 31, of Atlantic City, and Anthony Diaz, 30, of Newark, were charged with obstruction of justice. Keli Smith, 41, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.
