George Floyd: Curfew beginning 8 p.m., protesters told to disperse in Beavercreek

BEAVERCREEK — UPDATE @ 6:40 p.m.:

The city of Beavercreek has issued a curfew, in affect from 8 p.m to 6 a.m.

UPDATE @ 4:20 p.m.:

Protesters at the Beavercreek sit-in are now being told to disperse, according to our crew on scene.

Police have appeared to release tear gas and they have also blocked off North Fairfield Road near the demonstration.

Tear gas deployed at Beavercreek protest Tear gas deployed at Beavercreek protest

FIRST REPORT:

Crowds are beginning to form as the scheduled 4 p.m. sit-in at North Fairfield Road and Pentagon Blvd. in Beavercreek begins. Walmart confirmed to News Center 7 around 3 p.m. that they had closed for the day.

Other nearby businesses have also posted on social media that they will close early.

>> George Floyd: Cities across the region hold protests

Social media posts suggest the protest is related to the 2014 fatal shooting of John Crawford by Officer Sean Williams. The incident occurred at the Walmart on Pentagon Boulevard, after a 9-1-1 caller reported that Crawford was carrying a rifle, which was later identified as a pellet gun.

The city of Beavercreek settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the Crawford family just last month.

The Beavercreek Police Department says they are aware of the planned demonstration and will have crews in the area to ensure the safety of the public and the property is guaranteed.

The officers are not going to infringe on anyone’s first amendment rights and they have not received any indication that the sit-in will turn violent, they said.

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