Police union says students chanted “Hit him again”

The Denver police union complained Thursday that several protesters chanted, “Hit him again,” after an officerwas struck by a car and critically injured.

The Denver Police Protective Association denounced this as “quite possibly the most disturbing thing this association has ever heard.”

Although some obscenities were directed at police while they were escorting the East High School protesters, Denver Post journalists witnessed no cheering after aMercedes hit four officers. Studentswhowere interviewed expressed concern about the injuries.

In its response to the union, the Denver Police Department said it could not independently confirm claims that students cheered.

“If in fact therewere inappropriate actions taken by a fewstudents Chief (Robert) White does not believe this reflects the opinions of the vast majority of protesters,” according to the police statement.

Denver Public Schools said in a statement that it had no knowledge of such comments, but said “we would deplore any such comments and will look into the allegation.”

The officers had been escorting the march, which was in support of Ferguson, Mo., protesters.

Police also noted that White met with protest organizers Thursday and facilitated ameeting between the students and Officer John Adsit’s family.

Denver Health Medical Center said on Twitter that six East students delivered flowers to the officer and his family on Thursday.

Police said Adsit faces further surgery, although many of his most serious medical issues have been addressed. Adsit, a nineyear veteran, underwent several hours of surgery at Denver Health onWednesday after he was hit and dragged dozens of yards by theMercedes sedan.

The other three officers were released from Denver Health hours later.

Police saidThursday they would continue to release only “major developments” in Adsit’s recovery.

Witnesses say the Mer- cedes’ driver — described as a man in his late 40s — accelerated west through the intersection of EastColfax Avenue and High Street into the officers and a group of pedestrians before slamming into an SUV in a Taco Bell parking lot.

Police Cmdr. Matt Mur- ray said the driver, whose name has not been released, had a medical issue. Police believe that issue occurred before he hit the officers.

Cards can be sent to the Adsit family in care of Scott Snow, Victims’ Assistance Unit, 1331 Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80204.