WHITECLAY, Neb., June 29 (UPI) -- Oglala Sioux Tribal police arrested at least four activists trying to block the transport of alcohol from Whiteclay, Neb., to an Indian Reservation.
The protestors were arrested Thursday while conducting a blockade to keep alcohol out of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the substance has long been illegal, the Rapid City (S.D.) Journal reported Friday. The activists were creating a blockade by standing in the middle or on sides of the highway.
OST Police Chief James Twiss said he decided to break up the blockade only minutes after it began because of safety concerns.
"We support what they're trying to accomplish, but we can't let it go because of safety issues," Twiss said. "If something happens and someone doesn't stop or someone gets run over, we're (law enforcement) going to be responsible."
Among those arrested were activists who refused to leave after ordered by the police including American Indian activists Russell Means and Frank LaMere and blockade leader Duane Martin Sr., the Yankton Press & Dakotan reported Friday.
