Violent Unrest Spreads in Cincinnati; Officer Shot

CINCINNATI — Unrest spread to other areas of the city Wednesday night as small groups of vandals broke business windows and looted stores on the third day of violent confrontations between blacks and police.

An officer was shot late Wednesday night, but his bullet-proof vest deflected the bullet, and police still were searching for the gunman, police spokesman Lt. Ray Ruberg said.

Small groups of vandals roamed the streets in several areas near the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, where crowds of demonstrators have gathered to confront police in the five days since an officer shot an unarmed black man.

Mayor Charles Luken said the city may request National Guard assistance if the unrest continues.

A couple hundred people gathered in the Walnut Hills neighborhood Wednesday night. The crowd was dispersed, but not before they managed to cause extensive damage with broken windows and looting, Police Sgt. Chris Ruehmer said. White motorists also were targeted, with rocks and bricks being thrown at their vehicles, he said.

Police also reported outbreaks of violence and random gunshots in at least three other neighborhoods north of Over-the-Rhine. No major injuries were reported.

At least 66 people have been arrested on such charges as disorderly conduct, criminal rioting, obstruction, felony assault, theft and breaking and entering since the violence began.

Earlier Wednesday, clergy working to restore calm warned city officials that black residents have legitimate fears that must be addressed. The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. attorney’s office in Cincinnati have joined the FBI in investigating police actions.