How a vigil ended in arrests

Firsthand accounts of how a peaceful vigil turned angry clash with police and resulted in several arrests Dec. 19, 2013, in Durham:

From WRAL reporter Adam Owens

• The vigil in remembrance of Jesus Huerta was scheduled to start at CCB Plaza in downtown Durham at 7 p.m.
• They were at CCB Plaza for a while with flowers and candles.
• Then the drums and large banners, one calling DPD murderers, came out.
• They marched to the PD HQ.
• As they made turns street to street on their way, police rushed to stay with them.
• Participants yelled phrases like "F*** the Police"
• At times, they held up traffic.
• At the PD HQ police had taped off all but a small portion of the back lot.
• The crowd came onto that portion.
• Officers in riot gear demanded they leave.
• After holding their ground for a while, the crowd left and went back to the plaza.
• Back at the plaza is where things went sideways. Police say at some point bottles and rocks were thrown. The crowd continued to linger, beat drums and chant.
• Police started with some smoke canisters, then came the tear gas. With sticks, wearing gas masks and riot gear, police made arrests and pushed thinning crowds down side streets until they dissipated.
• Estimates: 200+ people at the rally and 100+ police.

We want to hear from you.

If you were at the Huerta vigil/rally Thursday night, we want your side of the story. Share photos, video and accounts with us.