At least three people were arrested after protesters gathered near near the police substation on Moss Street Saturday night.
Protesters shutdown Moss Street at Pine for more than an hour and while much of the protests stayed peaceful, we saw some moments of violence.
Several police units at Precinct 4 were hit with paint balls and we're told some protesters were throwing rocks.
Lafayette Police, the Lafayette Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police were on scene in riot gear. They gave protesters a ten minute warning to clear the streets or they would be arrested. Police extended that warning, but canisters were fired off that displayed a flash of light and heavy smoke.
The majority of protesters began to disperse, but some did move forward and began kicking the canisters.
Tara Laxey, a member of Unity 7 says she is heartbroken that a scene that has played out across the country so much is happening in Lafayette.
Laxey is frustrated community leaders did not speak with residents and protesters. She said Lafayette Parish Councilman A.B. Rubin was the only council member who showed support Saturday afternoon.
When Laxey heard the news of officers' cars being paint-balled, she said, "While they have paintball marks on their cars, their cars will still run. We have a 31-year-old brother who had 11 bullets put into him last night. He will never run again. His family will have to bury him. You tell me what's more important. Do they not know how to be personable anymore? Can they not acknowledge the hurt and pain and the outcry of my community?"
Laxey is pleading for protesters to remain peaceful.
She says no one should want to destroy things or resort to violence. Laxey is calling this a sad time for our community saying it's time to come together, demand transparency and fair and equal treatment.
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