17 Sep 2017

St Louis police killing: Fresh protest breaks out in city

5:24 pm on 17 September 2017

New protests have broken out in the US city of St Louis, where a white former policeman was found not guilty of murdering a black suspect in 2011.

Demonstrators march through the West County Mall protesting the acquittal of former St Louis police officer Jason Stockley.

Demonstrators march through the West County Mall protesting the acquittal of former St Louis police officer Jason Stockley. Photo: AFP

Hundreds have marched in the Missouri city for a second day, chanting "Black lives matter!"

More than 33 protesters were arrested and 11 police officers were injured in Friday night's scuffles.

The defendant, Jason Stockley, 36, was cleared of murdering Anthony Lamar Smith, 24, after a car chase.

Mr Stockley, a serving police officer at the time, was recorded during the pursuit saying: "Gonna kill this [expletive], don't you know it."

On Saturday evening, police were out in force as demonstrators rallied in St Louis.

Crowds marched through a shopping centre in the Des Peres suburb, blocking one major road.

So far there have been no reports of violence.

Friday's disturbances began in the afternoon as protesters took to the streets after the court verdict.

The home of St Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson suffered considerable damage, police say, as protesters ignored orders to disperse.

By late evening police declared the gathering an "unlawful assembly".

Mr Smith was a new father and engaged to be married when he was killed on 20 December 2011.

Mr Stockley and his partner said they believed they had observed Mr Smith engaging in a drug deal outside a restaurant.

Police dashcam video and surveillance footage showed Mr Smith reversing his car into the police vehicle twice during his attempt to drive off.

After a three-minute high-speed chase, Mr Stockley told his partner, who was in the driver's seat, to ram Mr Smith's car.

Mr Stockley then ran to Mr Smith's window and fired five shots, hitting him each time.

- BBC