Hammond Police Follow Up On 80/94 Protest
A group of 60-80 protestors congregated at the intersection of 80/94 and Calumet Avenue in Hammond Tuesday, according to Lt. Steve Kellogg of The Hammond Police. The protests began peacefully and all subjects stayed off to the side of the roadway near 175th & Calumet. After approximately one hour, a large group of protestors moved into the roadway blocking traffic in an attempt to gain foot access onto 80/94, Kellogg said. This group approached our static line of officers and attempted to push through them. Pepperballs were used to target a few of the aggressive individuals, police stated. A Pepperball is concentrated pepper-type powder fired similarly to a paint ball gun. This method of deploying a deterring agent is used so that team members can target only the aggressive individuals. This is how this was used, and minimally, Kellogg said. No other munitions of any kind were used.
Once the crowd started to disperse, it allowed officers to re-open Calumet Ave. to traffic. At approximately 7:30 p.m., all teams were removed from their posts, Hammond Police stated. Small gatherings popped up at Indianapolis Blvd. but remained peacefully and non-obstructive.
A total of three arrests were made during the protest. Two individuals were obstructing officers and traffic, and one was throwing rocks at police officers.
