Cincinnati police Saturday presented a much stronger front to protesters voicing opposition to the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue, using riot gear and chemical spray and even detaining marchers for jaywalking.

        Officers made 47 arrests throughout the day, and others were detained on suspicion of carrying anything from drugs to spray paint. Many of those arrested spent the night in jail because they refused to give officers their names on misdemeanor charges, said po lice spokesman Lt. Ray Ruberg.

        By 7 p.m., police were threatening to arrest protesters standing in groups of five or more, saying the rally permit had expired earlier in the day.

A group of protesters walks on Fifth Street toward the Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel after a rally on Fountain Square. (Brandi Stafford photos) | ZOOM |

        “There was a lot of frustration with the increased police presence,” said Sister Alice Gerdeman of the Coalition for a Humane Economy, which helped organize the protests. “In many ways, the police made the situation more tense.”

        The crackdown came after a small group of protesters vandalized downtown businesses and police used tear gas Friday, the first day of the conference of international CEOs that ended Sat urday.

        “We came out with a little different and stronger profile,” said Lt. Ruberg. “We recovered ball bearings after Friday and had reports of gunfire.”

        Police Chief Tom Strei cher said police did nothing different than during otherprotest events. And he said police escorted protesters around town because no parade permit had been filed.

        “We're trying to let them do what they want to do,” Chief Streicher said. “We're not trying to shut them down, just keep everything peaceful and let everyone have access to the sidewalks and businesses.”

Flossie Pattee, 21, of Minnesota reacts to chemical irritant sprayed by police on Fountain Square. | ZOOM |

        Protesters were voicing opposition to what they see as large corporations' undue influence on politics, the environment and human rights.

        Police estimate 54 were arrested over the past three days. Most of the arrests were on misdemeanor charges, primarily disorderly conduct.

        The most serious charges came Friday, when Clifford Bennett, of 2632 Eden Ave. was arrested on felony assault charges after allegedly causing a police horse to rear and throw its rider.

        After ignoring police orders to stay behind a barricade, police say, Mr. Bennett, 24, grabbed the neck of a police horse, causing the horse to rear on its hind legs. The riding officer was thrown from the horse, but not seriously hurt.

        Police also arrested two protesters Friday for allegedly attempting to hack into a computer to get press passes to the events at the Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel. The arrested included Gina Mathias, 20, of Columbus, and a man who has refused to identify himself.

Cincinnati police keep protesters in line as they cross a street to make their way up Vine Street toward the Kroger building. | ZOOM |

        While Saturday afternoon's main march and rally was dissipat ing, police used chemical spray to disperse a crowd while making arrests at Fountain Square. Enquirer photographer Brandi Stafford was also sprayed in the face with the substance, but quickly recovered and completed her assignment.

        Even with the increased police presence, Bruce Demske of Northside brought his 11- and 8-year-old sons to participate in a march from Fountain Square to the Kroger headquarters.

        “We're here for these little guys' future,” said Mr. Demske. “Everyone deserves a voice, and as long as we stay peaceful, we should be OK.”

        Sean McDonald of Covington said that late Saturday, he tried to disperse as police had ordered, but was still detained and eventually ticketed for jaywalking.

        “It did not seem to me to be a legitimate cause for stopping us,” said Mr. McDonald, 39, an artist. “We tried to do what they told us and they still harassed us.”

“I am not a violent person — I am a peaceful protester,” screams a woman being arrested during a protest Saturday. | ZOOM |

        The protests themselves began with a rally at Fountain Square that included the introduction of papier-mache pigs highlighting issues such as the environment and corporate welfare and a march to Kroger's headquarters.

        Marchers were greeted by at least 100 fully equipped officers, and protesters were forbidden from marching near or around the building.

        “The Constitution allows for the freedom of assembly and movement,” said Don McKenzie, a Springfield Township sheet-metal worker. “I've been searched, told I can't walk in a certain place and just been harassed. This is the most intimidating police presence I've ever seen.”

        The strong show at the Kroger building led the group to split up into less-organized marches that included trips to the Chiquita building and chants in front of Procter & Gamble headquarters.

        Later, protesters rallied against police brutality in Lytle Park and tried unsuccessfully to march on the Hamilton County Justice Center, where many of the arrests came.

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