APD says nearly 30 protest-related arrests made in last 24 hours

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department says that it's made nearly 30 arrests related to protests in the last 24 hours. 

Police say the charges include burglary of buildings, interference with public duties, theft of property, theft of a firearm, graffiti, engaging in organized crime, assault and participating in a riot.

Several of the arrests were made near the Austin Police Department's headquarters, located at 715 E. 8th Street, where there was a group comprised of about 75-100 people.

Police say in court documents that during the protest access to the roadway and sidewalks were being blocked and that some people began throwing items including full water bottles at uniformed officers.

22-year-old Daniel Vennel was arrested after police say they observed him throwing items at police while 28-year-old Trevon Foster was arrested after an officer observed Foster walking up to an unknown counter-protester and throwing an open bottle containing an unknown liquid at the person. Both were charged with participating in a riot which is a Class B misdemeanor.

26-year-old Jose Cuellar was also charged with participating in a riot after police say he was physically pushing officers and trying to prevent them from arresting another person.

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Police also arrested 23-year-old Pershana Barnett-Franklin for throwing multiple bottles at police officers. Police say Barnett-Franklin fled the scene in a vehicle but was stopped by a DPS trooper and brought back and charged with participating in a riot.

25-year-old Carolina Lanas and 24-year-old Paula Martinez were also both arrested and charged with participating in a riot.

Police say Lanas was arrested for spray-painting the side of the Austin Police Department's headquarters. Martinez was arrested and during a search, police say they seized a slingshot and about 72 paintballs from her backpack.

Read more about the national outcry following George Floyd's death.