FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Officers in armored vehicles lobbed canisters of irritants that made people’s eyes and lungs burn, dispersing crowds in Ferguson after a police car was vandalized, business windows shattered and gunshots rang in the streets.
Some protesters erupted in anger after the announcement that Officer Darren Wilson won’t be indicted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Protesters overran a barricade and taunted police. Some chanted “murderer” and others threw rocks and other items.
The windows of a police car were smashed and protesters tried to topple it before it was set on fire. Officers responded by firing what authorities said was smoke and pepper spray into the crowd. Protesters insisted it was tear gas.
Some in the crowd reportedly tried to stop others from taking part in the violence.
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