George Floyd: Beavercreek police take a knee with protesters; 'It’s a beautiful thing," demonstrator says

BEAVERCREEK — UPDATE June 2 @ 3:17 p.m.:

Body camera footage released by the Beavercreek Police Department shows the moment the first Beavercreek officer kneeled during Monday’s protest near the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek.

“Take a knee,” the crowd across the street could be heard chanting.

The crowd erupts in cheer as the first officer, Beavercreek High School Resource Officer Wisecup, does so.

A Beavercreek High School student is then seen crossing the street before giving Officer Wiseup a hug.

UPDATE June 1 @ 9:30 p.m.:

North Fairfield Road and Pentagon Boulevard are clear as protesters have since left the area, our News Center 7 team reports.

UPDATE June 1 @ 7:15 p.m.:

Protesters report officers at one point removed their tactical gear and took a knee in solidarity with those demonstrating.

“They stripped their helmets and their shields, laid them down and they started coming toward us. A couple of them actually took a knee. I almost have no words. It was just a moment you had to be here for,” said Corey Parks of Englewood.

“It’s just a beautiful thing and I’m happy to be a part of it," Parks said.

UPDATE June 1 @ 6:40 p.m.:

The city of Beavercreek has issued a curfew, in affect from 8 p.m to 6 a.m.

UPDATE June 1 @ 4:20 p.m.:

Protesters at the Beavercreek sit-in are now being told to disperse, according to our crew on scene.

Police have appeared to release tear gas and they have also blocked off North Fairfield Road near the demonstration.

Tear gas deployed at Beavercreek protest Tear gas deployed at Beavercreek protest

FIRST REPORT:

Crowds are beginning to form as the scheduled 4 p.m. sit-in at North Fairfield Road and Pentagon Blvd. in Beavercreek begins. Walmart confirmed to News Center 7 around 3 p.m. that they had closed for the day.

Other nearby businesses have also posted on social media that they will close early.

>> George Floyd: Cities across the region hold protests

Social media posts suggest the protest is related to the 2014 fatal shooting of John Crawford by Officer Sean Williams. The incident occurred at the Walmart on Pentagon Boulevard, after a 9-1-1 caller reported that Crawford was carrying a rifle, which was later identified as a pellet gun.

The city of Beavercreek settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the Crawford family just last month.

The Beavercreek Police Department says they are aware of the planned demonstration and will have crews in the area to ensure the safety of the public and the property is guaranteed.

The officers are not going to infringe on anyone’s first amendment rights and they have not received any indication that the sit-in will turn violent, they said.

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