NYSP: Protesters who walk on I-490 ‘will be subject to arrest’

Alexandra Weaver

[anvplayer video=”5009297″ station=”998131″]

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York State Police are warning protesters that they could be arrested if they walk on the expressway.

Last night, hundreds of people marched through the city in response to the attorney general’s announcement that the seven officers involved in Daniel Prude’s death will not face charges.

Prude was not breathing and had no pulse after he was restrained and handcuffed by officers in March of 2020. He died seven days later in the hospital after being taken off life support. The Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide and says Prude died from complications of asphyxia due to physical restraint, excited delirium and PCP.

At one point during Tuesday night’s protest over the grand jury’s decision, demonstrators made their way onto I-490.

In a press release Wednesday, state police said they respect people’s right to protest, but pedestrians are not allowed on I-490 and warned protesters who continue to walk on the expressway "will be subject to arrest."

People at last night’s rally told News10NBC they will be back, but did not specify where or when.

Protesters walk on I-490 in the city Rochester on Feb. 23, 2021 after the attorney general announced a grand jury declined to indict the officers involved in the death of Daniel Prude.[News10NBC]