By Christine McCarthy
WACO- Two Waco Police officers were hurt after violence broke out among a mob of about 300 to 400 people leaving the public July Fourth celebration.
Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the crowd was setting off fireworks of their own and blocking cars from traveling down Elm St., so officers began asking them to move. However, many became aggressive and targeted police and their patrol cars, throwing rocks, bricks, chunks of concrete and powerful, explosive fireworks that emit a big flash and flame. Swanton said the crowd was throwing them directly at officers as "hand-grenades."
A rock hit one officer in the shoulder, causing a minor injury.
Another officer asked Ashley Nicole Richards, 21, to move from the street, later trying to take her by the arm, but she allegedly punched him in the face and then kicked and fought when he tried to arrest her.
Richards was taken to McLennan County Jail on charges of Assault on a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest. The officer's injuries were not severe.
After an hour and a half of trying to clear the streets, police finally dispelled chemicals and were able to remove the crowd successfully. Swanton said many took to their cars, while others fled on foot.
