4 People Arrested During Sweep Of RiNo Homeless Encampment

Four people were arrested on Monday, November 30 during the sweep of a large homeless camp in Denver's RiNo neighborhood, according to FOX31.

The individuals were arrested and charged with failure to obey a lawful order.

The sweep took place at an encampment near the intersection of 29th & Arkins Court.

Around 90 to 100 individuals were staying at the encampment when city workers counted last week, making it one of the largest in Denver.

During city outreach at the encampment, fifteen residents agreed to be tested for COVID-19. The director of public health Danica Lee said they all tested negative.

Denver Public Health decided to sweep the encampment saying it had become too large and was a public safety issue.

Lee gave other justifications for the ordered sweep including the encampment's proximity to the river and a recent homicide that took place there.

Authorities say they gave those living in the encampment a 7-day notice before the sweep.

On Monday morning Denver Police Department officers and city workers were met by about 100 protesters trying to block the sweep.

When protesters knocked down a portion of the fence put around the encampment by law enforcement, police shot pepper balls and pepper spray into the crowd, according to reporting by Westword.

Many volunteers and protesters helped people pack up and offered their cars to move their belongings.

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