Police take several people into custody as they move in on protesters in Oakland’s downtown

Oakland police take several people into custody

OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland police have begun taking people into custody as they move in on a crowd protesting the verdict in the case of a former transit officer.

Johannes Mehserle was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on Thursday in the shooting death of an unarmed black man.

Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts said two to four people had been arrested, but he expected the number to rise.

The arrests come after protesters broke into a Foot Locker near the city’s downtown.

Protesters have also set some garbage cans on fire.

Batts said earlier Thursday that one person suffered a leg injury when rocks and bottles were thrown.

A small incendiary device was also set off near police department’s downtown station, but caused no damage or injuries.