A splinter group of protesters ripped through downtown Atlanta Tuesday night destroying property, shutting down traffic and putting a damper on what was an otherwise peaceful evening of demonstrations in the wake of the Ferguson decision.
While the group was still at large, Atlanta police chief said at least 21 people had been arrested as of 11 p.m.
"I believe there are individuals who mean this city no good at all," Turner said.
At one point, the group marched on to the Downtown Connecter. He said they broke or attempted to break windows at a hotel, a bank and a restaurant downtown. One police car was damaged and one taxicab was damaged.
At least one person was booked on felony weapons charges.
"We are doing everything we can to disperse that group," Turner said. "Our plans for the rest of the night is to be here."
Turner said his force has been training for months in preparation for tonight and that for the most part, it was peaceful. It is unclear if the so-called splinter group broke off from the large rally at Underground.
"We thought it was important to allow individuals to express themselves peacefully," Turner said. "We have a history of allowing people to express their constitutional rights."
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