Dhimbil Posted June 19, 2003 Fires and Riots Erupt in Small Michigan Town After Black Motorist Killed in Police Chase. As dark smoke swirled over the mostly Black town of Benton Harbor this morning, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm called a state of emergency to squelch a second day of rioting that erupted after a motorcyclist was killed following a high-speed chase with police. At least five buildings and several cars -- including four police cruisers -- were set ablaze, a woman and her 6-year-old child were hospitalized, and protestors hurled rocks and bottles at police as hundreds of protestors took to the streets Tuesday night, according to police reports. There were also news reports that protestors injured two firefighters, and motorists were dragged from their vehicles and beaten. Observers say that tension between police and residents is nothing new in this impoverished southwest Michigan community of about 12,000 people. The latest clash was triggered when 28-year-old Terrance Shurn was killed Monday after losing control of his motorcycle following the chase by Benton Harbor Police. The chase exceeded 100 mph, according to police. Last night, about 150 state police and 100 local police surrounded an eight-block area, but they were outnumbered about 2-to-1, according to reports. Benton Harbor officials say they will impose a 10 p.m. curfew tonight and will arrest protestors who violate the edict. Gov. Granholm has called up the National Guard to help maintain order, officials said. "I thought the relationship between the police and the public had improved over the past two years," Barrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told CNN this morning. "This is very disturbing, because we've been doing a lot of things to improve diversity." Tell us what you think. Is rioting an effective way to protest? Would you be out there right now rioting if you had the chance, or do you think those who are doing so are merely repeating the mistakes of the past? If so, how can Blacks who feel that the police are preying on them express their anger in constructive ways? Your comments are appreciated. by BET.com and Wire Reports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bachelor Posted June 19, 2003 The latest clash was triggered when 28-year-old Terrance Shurn was killed Monday after losing control of his motorcycle following the chase by Benton Harbor Police. The chase exceeded 100 mph , according to police. Who's fault is it? the cops or the thug who was running 100mph? :confused: Why doesnt he stop? I dont see any wrong doing here by the cops. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Libaax-Sankataabte Posted June 19, 2003 Illmatic, saxib, madowga maalin walba xabbad baa laga dilaa. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZOLA Posted June 19, 2003 MY GALS IN MI ..R U GUYS DOING OK ?....AM WORRIED ABOUT U ALL ...GIVE ME A CALL ..... ... A.A Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
