Last night in Charlotte, protests over the police shooting death of a black man turned violent, leading to the shut down of I-85 as protesters broke into semis, stole cargo, and burned it on the interstate.
Situation on I-85 is only getting worse…this is an out of control nightmare. pic.twitter.com/8J7MFQ5FYY
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOX46) September 21, 2016
Yesterday morning, Charlotte police shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott, who they said was armed, as they attempted to serve him a warrant outside of an apartment complex.
Later in the day, a large group of protesters began demonstrating near the scene of the shooting.
These demonstrations were initially peaceful, but later became violent. Several protestors attacked police vehicles, smashing out windows. Law enforcement in riot gear used tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse the crowd.
Sometime after midnight, the protests forced the closure of I-85. Several semis were stuck on I-85 by the road closure and protests.
[VIDEO] Riots continue on I-85 in Charlotte, as rioters have blocked traffic, looted trucks, and burned the cargo following police shooting. pic.twitter.com/u5P14yH6wp
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOX46) September 21, 2016
After I-85 closed down, the protesters turned their attention to the semis. They broke into trucks and pulled out the cargo, burning it on the roadway.
People are looting from a truck @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/t2Mf5GgXAL
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 21, 2016
One female truck driver hauling car parts spoke with local news crews as the protesters looted her truck. The clearly terrified driver said she feared for her life and kept asking the reporter if the police were coming to help her.
You can hear a small portion of that interview below.
Portion of my interview with a truck driver caught in the protests @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/i1vz9GKFxn
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 21, 2016
The protest shut down I-85 for around two hours.
Protesters are burning stuff from the trucks now. This is all happening on I-85 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/82fdCyfCkX
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) September 21, 2016
Sixteen police officers were injured in the protests. No truck driver injuries have yet been reported.