US,North Carolina, MEDIA,Report released following Durham protests

DURHAM, N.C. ? An internal police report was released Friday evaluating the recent round 
of protests. ---- On Dec. 5, crowds and law enforcement officers converged outside the 
Durham Performing Arts Center just before 10 p.m., where one show was letting out and 
another was about to begin. ---- Two miles of the Durham Freeway were closed for about 20 
minutes as some people laid on the asphalt, some held hands to form a barrier across the 
traffic lanes, and others approached police cars with their hands in the air. ---- In 
total, 31 people were arrested. ---- According to authorities, anarchist groups from 
Chapel Hill and Carrboro are credited with organizing the protest and using tactics to 
turn a peaceful protest chaotic. ---- In the past, Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez blamed 
outside elements for other unpeaceful demonstrations in the city.

Nineteen of the protesters were from Durham. Others arrested were from Chapel Hill, Apex, 
Raleigh, Hillsborough, Graham, Carrboro, Concord and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

"It is a problem that Chief Lopez views these organizers and protesters as outsiders," 
said Durham resident, Kelly Joyner. "People are demanding change in police practices and 
attitudes. Not outsiders, not agitators, Durham residents and citizens."

In a statement following the report's distribution Lopez said he knows Durham residents 
attend, but believes those causing trouble are not local.