Ferguson, United States – Tuesday night’s protest began peacefully as a group of about 70 protesters gathered in front of the Ferguson Police Department, but it slowly turned violent as people at the back began to hurl firecrackers and other objects at the officers.

National Guard members remained inside the police compound early in the night as the police detained protesters at the onset of violence in an attempt to curb any other incidents. Protesters were pulled out one by one as they were singled out by police flashlights until the crowd began marching north on South Florissant road.

Chanting, “We wanted answers,” they made their way to Ferguson’s City Hall, where they proceeded to kick the door, throw bricks at the windows, and tip a police car on its side, after which one protester lit it on fire.

Armed officers cleared the area using tear gas, and most of the protesters left after the incident at City Hall as police warned them and the media that they had illegally assembled and needed to disperse.

A smaller number regrouped at the police station, resulting in a few additional smaller confrontations later that night. St Louis county Police Chief Jon Belmar estimated there were 44 arrests.