Dozens held in Cleveland protests after cop acquitted

Dozens of people were arrested in Cleveland protests after an officer was acquitted in the killing of a black pair, prompting authorities today to say they would not tolerate violence.

Small protests broke out yesterday in the midwestern US city after 31-year-old patrolman Michael <g data-gr-id="13">Brelo</g> was found not guilty on two counts of voluntary manslaughter in the 2012 killing.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said 71 people were arrested, as multiple demonstrators broke away from the peaceful protests and in some cases assaulted bystanders.

“We only moved in to make arrests when things got violent and protesters refused to disperse,” he told reporters.

“We wanted to make sure that people understand we’re going to help you in this process, but if things turn violent, as we stated in the beginning, we will take action to preserve safety in the city.”