Two arrested in protest scuffles; convoys roll on

By Christian Hill and Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published November 08, 2007

• Video

UPDATE: Olympia police are hoping for a more subdued evening after two people were arrested in Wednesday night's protests against cargo movement from the Port of Olympia.

• PHOTOS: Military Shipment Protest at the Port of Olympia

Jonathan Steiner, 20, was arrested for pedestrian interference and obstruction, Cmdr. Tor Bjornstad said.

Shyam Khanna, 19, was later arrested, also for pedestrian interference and resisting arrest.

Khanna was among a group of people reportedly at police headquarters near 8th Avenue and Plum Street to check on Steiner when a convoy came by and he broke away from the group to stand in front of the Stryker vehicle.

The vehicle swerved and narrowly missed hitting him, Bjornstad said.

Both were later released on their own recognizance.

"Hopefully, there will be a lull tonight," Bjornstad said. "Everyone's made their point, and we're hoping that things can progress peacefully and respectfully from now on."

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FROM EARLIER: One person was arrested Wednesday and another had a split lip after police used force to clear the roadway when protesters attempted to prevent combat vehicles from leaving the Port of Olympia about 11:15 p.m.

Protesters became more emboldened as the night progressed, chasing down the moving convoys so they could stand or sit in front of them. Police officers were able to clear the roadways and forced the protesters back to the sidewalks by striking them with their batons and dragging them from the road. At one point, the protesters dumped garbage on Capitol Way near Thurston Avenue in an unsuccessful bid to stop the convoys.

"We do everything at the lowest level possible," Olympia police Cmdr. Tor Bjornstad said. "We've had officers spit on tonight. I'm very impressed by the restraint used by the officers tonight. They've had to put up with an awful lot."

But protesters said Olympia police used excessive force. Police officers appeared in full riot gear at the entrance to the Port of Olympia after the protesters entered the street en masse during the 11:15 p.m. attempt to stop one of the convoys.