Several people were detained and one man was arrested at the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond, Virginia, just after midnight on Friday morning.
Richmond police said a group of pickup trucks pulled up next to several protesters on bikes who were circling the controversial monument as officers kept watch from a distance. A representative with the Richmond police said there was a heated back and forth between the two groups that escalated into action.
“Words were exchanged between the individuals and the drivers of the pickup trucks,” Richmond police spokeswoman Amy Vu said. “One pickup truck sped off, and then, another pickup truck ran over a bicycle while fleeing the area.”
A truck in the group ran over one bicycle before speeding away from the scene. Richmond officers pursued the vehicles and made several stops within a 5-mile radius of the site of confrontation. Officers allowed several of the men to leave but arrested one person on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
One handgun and three semi-automatic firearms were seized by officers, and Richmond Crime Stoppers is asking for anyone with further information regarding the incident to call (804) 780-1000.
Earlier this week, Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans to move the monument from the major Richmond thoroughfare. A 10-day injunction filed by William Gregory, the great-grandson of a couple who were signatories to the monument’s deed with the state of Virginia, was granted by a judge on Tuesday.
