Police cite 4 violators of new loitering ordinance in Colorado Springs
Four people received a court summons from police Saturday morning during a sit-in protest against the new Pedestrian Access Act in Colorado Springs.
The woman and three men cited were among more that 100 protesters at Acacia Park downtown holding signs and sharing songs and chants.
“The officer who came to arrest us to tell us we were breaking the law, had to kneel to tell us that kneeling was against the law,” said Mark Chamberlain, one of the protesters cited.
After a dozen officers monitored the situation for several hours, police first informed the four protesters that they were violating the ordinance. Minutes later, police asked the four to stand up. They refused, so police peacefully led them to the park’s welcome area to receive their summons.
The violators are scheduled to appear in court May 3.
“The organizers had actually contacted the Police Department, and we were aware that they wanted individuals to be arrested so that they could exercise their rights and also challenge the ordinance in court,” said Lt. Catherine Buckley.
Protesters oppose the ordinance recently approved by the City Council that bans sitting, lying, kneeling, reclining or otherwise loitering on sidewalks, trails and other public areas.
“I am opposed to any law that prohibits public space to public people,” said Cayla Norris, another cited protester. “If you have a problem with homelessness, address the problem. You don’t criminalize the problem.”
The four protesters were sitting and blocking the main entrance to the Uncle Wilbur Fountain but organizers said the citation indicates sitting as the lone offense.
College students were among the protesters.
“We all are potentially one paycheck away from being in the exact same position, and I don’t think a lot of people realize that,” said Brook Mills, 18. “It’s important that we come out here and help the homeless people who don’t have a say in very much.”
Sylvester Mitchell, 63, a homeless man, said he’s trying to understand both sides of the issue.
“No one has the right to interfere with someone’s business,” he said. “I agree with the city on certain points. You can’t just do anything you want. But I have compassion for the homeless because I’m homeless for the first time.”
People who violate the ordinance more than once face a fine of up to $500 and a jail term of up to 90 days.
The crowd of protesters dispersed considerably after the citations.
