Two arrested during protests in Charlotte following mistrial in Kerrick case

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Two people were arrested Friday night following hours of protest in uptown Charlotte after a mistrial was declared in the Randall "Wes" Kerrick case.

The protests began Friday afternoon after the judge made the ruling, with protesters laying in the streets outside of the courthouse. The group continued to move and block traffic for the evening commute.

Around 9 p.m. protesters marched to the gate of the BB&T Ballpark, where the Charlotte Knights were playing a game that had been postponed from Thursday night due to inclement weather.

MOBILE USERS: Click here for photos of the protests

There were reports of protesters throwing rocks and taunting people and police inside the gates. As protesters moved around the park, gates were locked and fans were not allowed to exit.

After the crowds passed the gates, they were reopened and people were allowed to go.

According to officials, a CMPD officer and a security guard were assaulted during the incident.

In total, two protesters, later identified as Harry Sawyer and Stevonta Mackey, were arrested Friday night, according to police. They were charged with assault on officers. Police say the officers were not seriously injured.

Sawyer was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct, and assault on a government employee. Mackey was charged with resisting a public officer, assault on a campus police officer, public disturbance, communicating threats, and assaulting on a public transit operator.

RAW VIDEO: Protester taken into custody by CMPD in uptown Charlotte

Late Friday night, CMPD released a statement about the protests and their response.

"CMPD officers immediately began to encounter peaceful protesters following court proceedings and worked with organizers to facilitate lawful demonstrations. Officers subsequently observed the crowd transition from peaceful protestors to a younger, more aggressive group of demonstrators as the events of the night developed," the statement read.

From WBTV's Sky 3, police in riot gear could be seen just outside the main gate. Officers appeared to create a barricade blocking at least one of the roads at the intersection.

Crowds of people could be seen all around the area. One person could even be seen on top of a police car.

The situation appeared to have gotten more active compared to the "die-ins" - where protesters laid down in the streets blocking traffic - from earlier in the day. Protesters WBTV talked to said they were angry, but wanted to make sure no one was injured.

Around 10 p.m. the protesters seemed to split into two smaller groups and go separate ways uptown. Police kept near the protesters throughout the day and night, but let them voice their concerns.

Knights officials later released a statement about the incident and CMPD's response.

"The Charlotte Knights ballgame this evening experienced citizens protesting today's verdict. I would like to commend CMPD and the numerous officers that managed the situation in a professional and orderly fashion. I would like to also commend our Knights staff, our Show Pros employees and the many others that helped diffuse a challenging situation," the statement read. "Our fans were extremely cooperative and understanding with the adjustments we made to ensure everyone's safety. This has been a very difficult day for many in the Charlotte community, and we all pray for the healing of all of our citizens."

There have been no reports of injuries or property damage.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced they were closing parts of their services late Friday night, but did not say if it was related to the protests.

"Charlotte Area Transit System has closed the Charlotte Transportation Center. Customers wanting CATS bus service should go to the Carson Station on Carson Street. All buses will operate service from this location. Customers should expect delays," officials said in a statement. "Normal service from the Charlotte Transportation Center will resume Saturday morning. LYNX Blue Line light rail service will continue to operate service to the 7th Street Station."

WBTV will continue to monitor the situation through the weekend.

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