Ohio cities report more arrests overnight, reporters

CINCINNATI (AP) — Police in Ohio cities say dozens more people have been arrested in protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody.

However, Cincinnati authorities said Monday night’s activity marked some progress from weekend nights, when hundreds of people were arrested.

Cincinnati police said 40 to 50 people were arrested, many for violating an 8 p.m. curfew. Police said several weapons were seized, including one with a 100-round magazine.

Mayor John Cranley apologized for the police detention Monday night of a Cincinnati Enquirer reporter, calling it “a big mistake.” He was released without charges.

At least one other reporter was pushed by police Monday night. Cincinnati police “apologized for any inconvenience” on its Twitter account, saying officers were trying to clear a street while withstanding rocks thrown at them.

Police in Columbus and Cleveland also enforced curfews Monday night.

More than 200 people were arrested over the weekend during protests sparked by the May 25 death of Floyd in Minnesota. Floyd, a black man who was handcuffed, died after a white officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had called out the Guard and highway patrol Saturday to help enforce laws in Cleveland and Columbus, where the mayors said more than 100 properties were damaged.

Across the state, the damage was still being tallied from the unrest that also swept up Toledo, Akron and Dayton over the weekend.