PORTLAND, ME — Portland Police arrested six people on disorderly conduct charges Friday night after a group of approximately 40 protesters refused to disperse from two downtown hotels.
Police responded to the Residence Inn at 145 Fore Street and the AC Hotel at 168 Fore Street at 9 p.m. Friday for reports of disturbances.
A small crowd initially gathered without causing issues, but by approximately 10:20 p.m., the crowd had grown to about 40 people who were blowing whistles, banging on drums and causing disturbances.
The noise was disruptive to hotel guests and others in the area.
Police repeatedly told the group that individuals would be charged with disorderly conduct if they did not disperse.
Just before 11 p.m., several protesters refused to comply and were arrested.
The following individuals were charged with disorderly conduct and transported to the Cumberland County Jail: Andrew Mantenieks, 25, of East Orland; Samuel Pecor, 30, of Biddeford; Amelia Fleming, 26, of Nobleboro; Meghan Morrison, 28, of Portland; Savanah Roberge, 19, of Somersworth, New Hampshire; and John Clark, 30, of Windham.
The South Portland Police Department assisted with the disturbance.
A previous protest held Thursday night at the Residence Inn resulted in one criminal summons being issued.
Earlier Friday evening, Portland Police facilitated a separate protest that began in Monument Square, proceeded to Longfellow Square and returned to Monument Square.
That event concluded at approximately 7 p.m.
