Prosecutors file charges against 9 in Calif. train shooting verdict protests in Oakland

9 charged in protests after Calif. train verdict

OAKLAND, Calif. — Prosecutors have filed charges against nine people who were arrested during protests following the verdict for a white former San Francisco Bay area transit officer charged with killing an unarmed black man.

Prosecutor Bob Hartman said on Monday that seven were charged with felonies and two face misdemeanors in Thursday night’s protests in downtown Oakland.

No names or charges were released.

A Los Angeles jury found Johannes Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter instead of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Oscar Grant last year.

Alameda County authorities say the nine were among 78 people arrested as dozens of Oakland businesses were either looted or damaged. Most arrested were cited and released.

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, www.sfgate.com/chronicle