Thirteen people connected to George Floyd protests in Mobile were arrested and charged with civil unrest late Sunday evening and early Monday morning, according to local law enforcement.
Mobile Police Department said in a report released later Monday afternoon that a further 26 charges were made against the 13 individuals, including disorderly conduct, burglary, criminal mischief, and arson.
Walmart announced that some of its local Mobile stores would close early Monday to avoid potential looting.
The arrests came after a mixed day of protest in Mobile and across the state. Earlier on Sunday thousands marched through the downtown area in protest at the death of Floyd, resulting in a brief clash with police at the entrance to Interstate 10 where officers used gas to deter the group from trying to access the road. Not long after, a smaller group of protesters staged a vigil in Cathedral Square that was entirely peaceful.
Following the larger of the two events, a small group of around 100 people made its way to the old Babies R Us store on Airport Boulevard. Several arrests were made at the scene and officers were forced to shoot pepper balls from a high-velocity air gun.
MPD identified one man as 28-year-old Devon Johnson.
“He was ordered by police to get out of the roadway in which he was creating a traffic hazard,” said an MPD spokesperson. “He refused to exit the road and was taken into custody, arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.”
After dispersing the crowd, some moved to different locations on Airport Boulevard and surrounding areas, where the alleged crimes took place, noted MPD’s report.
Below is a timeline of events from 7 p.m. onward:
7 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a protest at Babies R Us.
10:15 p.m.: Police responded to Lowes off the I-65 Service Road for a criminal mischief call. Shortly after police responded to a report of a fire at the Burlington Coat Factory.
10:22 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a burglary at the Burlington Shoe Factory.
10:35 p.m.: Police made their way to Springdale Mall for a report of an individual with a firearm. Police then responded to The Shoppes at Bel Air on the Dillard’s side for a report of an officer injured.
10:55 p.m.: Police responded to Jackie Brown LLC, 100 Esplanade Avenue in reference to a report of a fire. Officers arrived and observed the front glass door was busted and a fire inside the business. Mobile Fire Rescue Department arrived and quickly extinguished the fire.
June 1, 3:25 a.m.: Police responded to an attempted burglary at Earl’s Pawn and Jewelry. The officer observed damage to the front of the store and a truck that was left running behind the business. The truck had damage consistent with ramming the front of the business. No entry was made, and it appeared the suspect fled on foot when saw police patrolling the area. It was later determined the truck was stolen.