2 Dozen Arrested In Clash With Chicago Police Officers

CHICAGO, IL — Twenty-four people were arrested as more than a dozen Chicago police officers were assaulted near Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive on Saturday, Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said.

"Multiple agitators once again deployed large black umbrellas, changed their appearance and began pushing and eventually assaulting officers with various objects including mace, skateboards and various projectiles," Brown said.

Protesters began the day peacefully on the South Side, but it was a separate incident downtown that led to the injuries of 17 officers, including one who Brown said was "repeatedly" beat in the head with a skateboard. Jeremy Johnson was later charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, a felony, in connection with the skateboard attack.

Police released video of the beginning of the clash Sunday morning. An inset within the video shows the skateboard attack. View it here:

Four of the 24 people arrested were charged with felony aggravated battery on police officers.

Injuries to police were "mostly bumps and bruises," with some being maced by demonstrators, Brown said.

Police used pepper spray in defense, the superintendent said, and two protesters were also treated at the scene for their injuries.

Brown said he's "very proud of the professionalism and patience during this very difficult and tenuous event."