St. Petersburg's mayor and police chief respond in the aftermath of Wednesday night's violence in St. Petersburg.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 13, 2004
Tampa Bay's 10 News coverage of 1996 disturbances: 56k| High-Speed
St. Petersburg Police Chief Chuck Harmon said today that extra police patrols will be on duty tonight following sporadic disturbances in portions of the city.
The violence began after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday as up to 100 protestors marched west on 18th Avenue S and Dr. Martin Luther King Street. Some 100 officers responded to a series of incidents in an area between 15th and 46th avenues south and Fourth and 34th Streets. Harmon said 20 people were arrested, including nine juveniles. Two were charged with attempted murder in connection with shooting at police officers. Others were charged with burglary and other crimes.
"I want to encourage the public to continue their day-to-day activities," Harmon said at a midday news conference today at City Hall.
Meanwhile, the civil trial involving the 1996 police shooting death of TyRon Lewis continued in Pinellas Circuit Court. Lewis' survivors filed a lawsuit against the city, contending that officer James Knight negligently used his firearm. The shooting sparked two nights of disturbances.
Mayor Rick Baker said Wednesday night's disturbances will not derail his efforts to redevelop the Midtown area.
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As a precaution, performances tonight and Friday night of "The 1940s Radio Show" by students at Perkins Elementary School have been postponed until next Monday and Tuesday nights.
