Police Clear Sidewalk Outside Portland City Hall

PORTLAND  POLICE  CRIME 

By Pete Springer

Portland, OR  May 15, 2008 10:51 a.m.

Portland police closed the sidewalk in front of city hall early Thursday morning and cleared out a group of homeless protestors.

Police spokesman Brian Schmautz says the sidewalk was closed to clean up debris from the protest -- which began nearly three weeks ago.

Brian Schmautz: “We had some issues with some fecal material, syringes, over the course of the last couple weeks and just thought it was appropriate for the safety and sanitation -- a lot of food out there -- and just want to make sure it’s a safe environment.”

Police say most of the homeless protestors moved across the street when officers arrived.

However, one man was arrested for yelling at the police and refusing to move from the middle of the street.  The sidewalk will re-open later Thursday after cleaning crews finish their work.

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