Police: 2 arrested in protests following Kerrick mistrial

On Friday night, tensions ran high as protesters took to the streets uptown.

Two people were arrested for assault on a police officer following protests.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the arrests were for assault on a police officer. The officers were not seriously hurt.

A police statement didn't say how many officers were involved.

On Saturday night, police will step up patrols as the Carolina Panthers take on the Miami Dolphins at the Bank of America Stadium, CMPD Police Chief Kerr Putney said.

At a Saturday afternoon press conference, Putney also said he was proud of the department’s response the night before.

There is also a Charlotte Knights game and high school football games at Memorial Stadium uptown Saturday night.

The two suspects arrested and charged were Harry Sawyer and Stevonta Mackey.

Sawyer was arrested by CMPD officers and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct and assault on a government employee.

Mackey was arrested by G4 Security and charged with resisting a public officer, assault on a campus police officer, public disturbance, communicating threats and assault on a public transit operator.

The NAACP and supporters gathered on the courthouse lawn Saturday and one pastor said more needs to happen.

“Dialogue cannot be the ultimate goal,” Jim Logan said. “We seek for there to be a fundamental change in our community.”

Many people stood at the podium to share their thoughts on the outcome of the Kerrick trial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CMPD news release:

Today, the jury in the Randall Kerrick trial did not reach a unanimous verdict. I want to thank the countless professionals who responded to the scene of this incident on September 14, 2013, and have worked it tirelessly since that night. The time that has passed since that date has been challenging to CMPD and has cast an enormous spotlight on our agency, our policies, and our people. We have faced those challenges head on and will continue to do so.  

This was a tragic event that changed the lives of many, both in the community and within our CMPD family. The decision to arrest and charge Randall Kerrick was not made unilaterally, nor did it occur in a vacuum. It was a painful but necessary decision reached by people both within the CMPD and in consultation with the District Attorney's office. This decision was based on the facts of the case which led to probable cause, according to North Carolina state statute.  

As police officers, we must abide by the law and be responsible for our actions. I believe that we as an organization did what was right for our agency and our community. The decision for any future criminal proceedings in this case rests with the North Carolina Attorney General's office. We will continue to support their efforts.

There are differing opinions surrounding the events of that night and our subsequent response. I understand and respect each of your opinions and your right to express them. Our commitment and service to each other and to the community will not end after one incident, nor should it.

There is work yet to be done within this community and our organization. I am proud of the resiliency and resolve of our police officers in what they do every day to the service of our community.

Over the coming days, I will be scheduling opportunities for us to talk about concerns or questions you may have, and to chart our path forward.  -- Kerr Putney, Chief of Police

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: