Rocks, other potential weapons helped spark police action

Approximately 100 people arrested in Monday night's protests near Civic Center spent the night getting processed through the criminal justice system.

Most face charges of obstruction of streets or public passageways, interference and disobedience to a lawful order.

In a police update this morning, more details were released about how the skirmish started.

Most of the arrests came after police moved early to control a march by the protest group Unconventional Denver, which had promised to disrupt activities tied to the Democratic National Convention.

Those arrested are still being processed this morning through the temporary processing facility at 3833 Steele St. They are either being released at the Denver County Jail if hey post bond, or they are being taken for a first appearance in Denver County Court if they do not post bond, according to a police statement released early today.

"Denver police made limited use of pepper spray Monday night when a protest crowd that had gathered near Civic Center Park refused requests to disperse and suddenly rushed a police safety line about 7:15 p.m." the statement said.

Police estimated the crowd at 300, although many onlookers and media also were on hand.

Among those arrested, many were observed "carrying rocks and other items that could be used to threaten public safety," the police report said. "In order to protect the public when the crowd surged forward, two officers deployed their pepper spray and one officer used a pepper ball device."

Pepper balls are similar to a paint ball, but contain the same material as pepper spray.

A more complete law enforcement update is expected later this morning.