Ferguson, Missouri: Clashes Between Police, Protesters Persist

Despite a new policing regime in Ferguson, Missouri, where black teenager Michael Brown was killed by a police officer last weekend, tension and clashes persist between police and protesters.

Police had come in for criticism for deploying a large number of militarized SWAT officers to contain protests that were sparked by Brown's death. The protests also saw journalists being arrested, and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon subsequently replaced local law-enforcement commanders with State Police, in an effort to calm tensions.

But as @IBTimes reporter Kathleen Caulderwood, who is on the ground in Ferguson discovered early Saturday, tensions between the police and protesters are far from over. A series of Caulderwood's tweets follow, detailing a clash between police and protesters outside a liquor store in Ferguson.

Caulderwood writes:

Witneses say police arrived, used smoke bombs and mace against protesters, and left immediately, but returned shortly afterward, forming a line of officers and vehicles that would remain all night.

After violent tactics that included tear gas and rubber bullets earlier this week, law enforcement changed their tactics on Thursday with Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Ronald Johnson walking with protestors and talking to media.

Protests were almost celebratory on Friday but shortly after 11pm, things changed. Police arrived on scene and reportedly used mace and smoke bombs against protesters.

Within the hour police vehicles had lined up, and officers were warning protesters to disperse "for their own safety."

Later, they urged the protesters to clear the road, saying that "failure to comply will result in arrest and/or other actions."

For now, the streets are clear.

Tweets detailing the incident from Caulderwood below: