Washington--Police arrested 34 people when protests over the death of a black man in custody spiraled into violence in Baltimore, authorities said, calling for calm in the tense US city.
Six police officers were also injured in the disturbances late Saturday, a spokesman said, in the latest demonstrations in the United States over what critics say are overly aggressive police tactics, particularly when it comes to confronting African Americans.
Baltimore, a blue-collar city about an hour from the capital Washington, was on edge Sunday and police were out in force, as a wake was held for the 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
Gray, who died one week ago after his spine was allegedly nearly severed following his arrest on April 12, was to be buried Monday in what is likely to again be a major rallying point for angry demonstrators.
"A small contingent of yesterday's protesters caused violent disruptions downtown and in west Baltimore last night and early this morning after what had been mostly peaceful protests throughout the day," police spokesman Jeremy Silbert said.
"Approximately 34 people were arrested and six officers suffered minor injuries.
"Additionally, multiple storefronts were vandalized and several police vehicles and other property was damaged."
Congressman Elijah Cummings, who represents the Baltimore district where the violence took place, said he was pleased that the US Justice Department was undertaking a "top to bottom" probe of the city's police department.
"We've got to take this department apart and try to figure out what is wrong and what is right," Cummings told CBS television's "Face the Nation" program.
"This is a significant moment. If we don't correct this now, it will only get worse."
AFP
