LR police investigating scuffle between protesters at Capitol

The Little Rock Police Department Violent Crimes Unit is investigating an altercation at the state Capitol Saturday in which Blue Lives Matter protesters met Black Lives Matter counter-protesters, according to department officials.

Police have already arrested one woman, 43-year-old Tonya Estell, on a disorderly conduct charge, according to a police report, but are seeking information regarding the identity of people seen in videos who may have committed an assault, a release from the department said.

“We are reviewing video to determine what level of assaults occurred,” Chief Keith Humphrey said. “We are also trying to determine if additional victims can be identified as well as suspects involved.”

The incident started at 9:30 a.m. and continued through the late morning as Blue Lives Matter protesters, marching from the Clinton Presidential Center, met counter-protesting Black Lives Matter demonstrators at the state Capitol steps, department spokesman Lt. Casey Clark said Saturday.

“Evidently, upon their approach, the counter protesting group tried to block their path,” Clark said. “The first group was able to make their way through. They prayed. Then, as they tried to leave again, the counter protesters tried to block their path, but they were able to walk around.”

Some counter-protesters followed the Blue Lives Matter group as they left the Capitol down Capitol Avenue, Clark said.

Little Rock Police are asking for anyone with information relating to the incident to call the Major Crimes Division at 501-371-4660.

Investigators are already looking into an alleged assault of a woman close to the end of the confrontation, just after 10:30 a.m., according to a second police report.

The victim in the area of the march at 501 Woodlane St. was punched by an unknown suspect, leaving an abrasion on her left elbow which did not require medical attention, the report said.

Investigators are looking into video of the incident to find suspects, according to the report.

Clark said Tuesday that the investigation was opened under the direction of Humphrey in the Major Crimes Division of the department.

“The investigation is open and ongoing at this time,” Clark said.