CPD supporters rally after weeks of anti-police protests

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Supporters for the Chicago Police Department rallied outside the third district headquarters, on the city's South Side Saturday, after weeks of anti-police protests in Chicago.

oined by a dozen or so officers, residents from Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood gathered to show their support the Chicago Police Department, saying it is time African American community's step up for the men and women who patrol the city's streets every day.

"We want to make sure you know you have friends here," said community activist Jose Wilson. "You have people who are a part of church organizations, community organizations, and other organizations who are here to say, you know something, we support you."

Saturday's demonstration followed an evening of protests downtown which happened hours after officer Jason Van Dyke appeared in court. Van Dyke is charged in the 2014 murder of teenager Laquan McDonald.

A couple hundred people drifted through the Loop, River North and Gold Coast neighborhoods, blocking traffic in calling for the ouster of Mayor Rahm Emanuel over the handling of the investigation into 17-year old's shooting death.

One person was arrested after trying to break through a police line.

Officials say an officer trying to clear a path for an ambulance headed to Northwestern Hospital suffered a wrist broken after getting into a tussle with a small group of protesters.

Once again protesters took to the streets of Chicago, this time in support of those in the African American community demanding for an end to police brutality.

"Black and brown lives matter and to build the solidarity among black people and brown people also which are Latinos," community organizer Christina Obregon.

The group of Latina mothers and immigrant families chanted as they marched from the Pilsen neighborhood to the Cook County Juvenile Center, where they joined the growing chorus of calling for State's Attorney Anita Alvarez to resign.

"When you stay silent of what's happening, you're as bad as everyone else. So I'm very disappointed in her and I would like for her to step down," said protester Annabel Perez.

Alvarez has said there is no way she is considering resigning. Mayor Emanuel said he is not going anywhere either, this as detractors promise there are more protests to come.