Around 25 Arrested For Trying To Camp Out At Occupy Worcester Site
WORCESTER (CBS) - About 25 members of Occupy Worcester were arrested Saturday night for trying to camp out at the Worcester Common.
A city ordinance closes the park between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and staying overnight is illegal.
Those removed were arrested for misdemeanor trespassing charges. Most were released Sunday morning.
Members of Occupy Worcester said they decided to try to stay at the Common despite several warnings from city officials and police.
WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.
"I personally did it because I believe we have the right to peacefully assemble no matter where the area is," said Joe Williams. "Every other occupy movement is occupying a very common space. The Worcester Occupy has been pushed to the side."
Williams said the group did it in an effort to raise awareness and move to a more public area. Their current camp is at Lake Park.
City officials said they must enforce the laws.
"The laws aren't here to pick and choose. We're all burdened to uphold the law," said City Manager Michael O'Brien. "Those arrests cost taxpayers money. My hope is this is the last time we're dealing with the situation and they realize that we're just doing our jobs."
But, it may not be the last time law enforcement needs to step in. Some Occupy members said they are determined to move to a more public place, even if it means another night behind bars.
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"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," said Scott Guzman, who was arrested Saturday. "I don't want to be arrested but I'm willing to be one of the ones who does if it happens again."
Protesters said police were respectful and the arrests were peaceful. All were arrested without incident.
Occupy Worcester's permit to be at Lake Park expires next week. The group is holding meetings to decide how to hold on to their current location.
