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MADISON, WI (WSAU) Madison police cleared the Corey Ruiz Autonomous Zone on Tuesday morning.
City police, with the assistance of other city workers and the State Patrol moved into the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson streets around 5am. An officer with a bullhorn told those in the encampment to gather their belongings and leave. Some protesters chanted “we will be back.” Pepper spray was used and 17 people were arrested. Some protesters started small fires and scuffled with police. One city employee was treated for minor injuries.
Traffic was flowing through the area as of 9am Tuesday.
Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway said the encampment was a public safety hazard and was harmful to businesses in the area.
Protesters had taken over the intersection after the police shooting ot Ruiz on July 22. The state Department of Justice is investigating the shooting.
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