RALEIGH — Traffic on Raleigh's Hillsborough Street was virtually brought to a halt Saturday afternoon after a group of protesters hit the pavement to take back their streets.

Dozens of people chanting "our streets" spilled from the sidewalks out onto the street wanting to encourage people to get out of their cars and walk instead.

"Part of reclaiming our streets is to get a message across that you can do more for your community," said protester Charlotte Acker. "You can walk more than drive."

Protesters argued with police, including Raleigh Police Chief Mitch Brown, about their right to demonstrate. Police told protesters they would be arrested if they ignored three warnings to stay out of the street.

One person was arrested on a misdemeanor charge.

Police say people have a right to protest, but not without a permit.

"They've got some cause they want to express and we want them to do it in a safe and peaceful manner," Brown said.

There were some anti-police sayings scrawled on the street, but officers say there were no serious problems.