Protesters gathered to chalk the street in defiance of an LAPD order asking not to do so. The demonstrators also issued leaflets explaining what to do and what to expect if anyone is arrested.
The protesters reportedly caused a disturbance and pelted officers with rocks and bottles in the area of Fifth and Spring streets. Police did release non-lethal pepper balls into the crowd.
Police were on tactical alert and asked anybody in the Downtown L.A. area to leave. Anyone planning on going downtown was advised to stay out.
There were earlier unconfirmed reports that the protesters were part of Occupy L.A.
See photos from the protest in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, July 12, 2012.
DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.
City News Service contributed to this report.
