MSHP: No. 1 priority is to keep interstates open during protests
As the crowds grow in St. Louis following the Jason Stockley not-guilty verdict, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s main goal in St. Louis is to keep the interstates open.
Capt. John Hotz with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Public Information Office told ABC 17 News troopers are doing everything they can to make sure no protesters are making it onto the interstate.
“Interfering with traffic can present a tremendous public safety hazard,” Hotz said. “Not only to the people shutting it down but also to motorists, as well as law enforcement.”
Hotz said the department supports peaceful protesting but once it turns violent, they will start to make the proper arrests. As of 8:10 p.m. no protesters have made it onto any St. Louis area interstate. Highway Patrol is utilizing their chopper, along with having an increased presence on the ground.
If you are headed to the St. Louis area this weekend, Hotz said, he won’t “dissuade people from coming, I would just tell them to be aware of their surroundings.” If you do have plans in the area, Hotz is encouraging people to follow the St. Louis Police Department’s twitter account for the latest update.
ABC 17 News was in the St. Louis area. Several residents that live in downtown St. Louis said they won’t be leaving their home because they are fearful this will turn very violent.
Terence Mayfield, a 25-year resident, told ABC 17 News he was in St. Louis when Ferguson happened and believes this could be worse.
ABC 17 News checked with other mid-Missouri law enforcement agencies; so far, Columbia Police, Jefferson City Police, Boone County Sheriff and Cole County Sheriff Deputies have not been asked to assist in St. Louis.
