Baltimore Curfew to Remain Through Weekend: Police

Baltimore's police Commissioner Anthony Batts said Thursday a nighttime curfew for the city will remain in effect through the weekend, as protesters took the streets of Baltimore again over the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died after suffering critical injuries in police custody.

Batts did not say when the curfew would be lifted. He said authorities are expecting large marches this weekend.

On the third night of the curfew, which was put into place earlier this week after protests calling for justice in the death of Gray turned violent, there was mostly media on the street. A few people could also be seen near the now-condemned CVS store that was burned down during a riot earlier this week.

Police on Thursday again allowed several minutes to pass before suiting up in riot gear and moving the media and protesters out of the intersection. A volunteer on a bullhorn could also be heard telling people to go home.

One man was placed into handcuffs after walking up to the police line and yelling at the officers for several minutes.

Earlier on Thursday, police said they had turned over their investigative findings to a prosecutor who will decide whether to pursue charges against the six officers involved in Gray's arrest. 

State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement Thursday that she has received the investigative file from police, and her office has also been conducting its own independent investigation. She is asking the public to remain patient and peaceful as she conducts an investigation.

Among the hundreds marching in Baltimore on Thursday was NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who moved to the city as a child.

"We're being heard. We've just got to be careful to do it the right way. We can't become violent ... we've got to be patient," Anthony said.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh, his players and former star linebacker Ray Lewis visited two Baltimore schools Thursday to help urge calm.

Hundreds of demonstrators also came together to protest Gray's death in Philadelphia, causing major traffic in the city's center on Thursday.

Chants of "No justice, no peace," and "Black lives matter" filled Dilworth Plaza late Thursday afternoon as news helicopters hover overhead. Several dozen uniformed police officers stood guard while plainclothes officers patrolled nearby.

Damon Johnson, a veteran and former city employee, spoke about spending priorities.

"Why would you cut after-school programs and build a juvenile jail?" he asked the crowd.

The event in Philadelphia follows days of unrest in Baltimore after Gray's death.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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