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FERGUSON, Mo., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- After overnight violence and a day of protests marking the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, St. Louis County, Mo., declared a state of emergency Monday. St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger issued the order after some 50 people were arrested in St. Louis calling for the dissolution of the Ferguson Police Department, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
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"In light of last night's violence and unrest in the city of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property, I am exercising my authority as county executive to issue a state of emergency, effective immediately," Stenger said in a statement.
"The recent acts of violence will not be tolerated in a community that has worked so tirelessly over the last year to rebuild and become stronger. The time and investment in Ferguson and Dellwood will not be destroyed by a few that wish to violate the rights of others."
As part of the order, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar was put in charge of the operation of police emergency management in Ferguson and surrounding areas.
"Chief Belmar shall exercise all powers and duties necessary to preserve order, prevent crimes, and protect the life and property of our citizens," Stenger said.
Things turned violent Sunday night due to exchange of gunfire between an apparent assailant and police.
Police said a man unleashed a "remarkable amount of gunfire" against officers late Sunday by using an allegedly stolen handgun.
The incident began when the apparent suspect was running away from an alleged exchange of gunfire with unknown persons. Police began pursuing the suspect in vehicles, which were allegedly shot at several times by the suspect.
The suspect allegedly turned around and shot at the officers as they got out of the vehicles. The suspect continued firing as he then ran toward a fenced area, but was shot multiple times by police, according to St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar. The man is in critical, unstable condition in a local hospital and is undergoing surgery.
(2/2) During the gunfire, at least 2 unmarked cars took shots. We will release more details when available. pic.twitter.com/luPnp6iXqZ
Advertisement— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) August 10, 2015The four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
As night drew, the police presence in Ferguson increased and rumors about the shooting grew. Protesters and police were involved in a tense standoff in the location where Brown was shot, West Florissant Avenue.
According to police, several businesses were damaged by protesters and at least three officers were injured.
"There is a small group of people who are intent on making sure we don't have peace. That's unfortunate," Belmar added. "We can't afford to have this kind of violence."
Brown, 18, was shot last August by police officer Darren Wilson, who in November avoided indictment on charges related to Brown's death by arguing self-defense, which prompted violent protests in Ferguson.
