Almost 100 arrests for overnight curfew violations helped authorities avert a fourth night of racial violence in riot-torn Cincinnati, police said yesterday.
The Mayor, Mr Charles Luken, said the emergency dusk-to-dawn curfew appeared to have reduced the storm of vandalism, looting, arson and assaults that buffeted the city during the previous three nights following the shooting of an unarmed black man by a white policeman.
Police Chief Thomas Streitcher said at a news conference yesterday the curfew would remain in effect for another night and officials would decide on a day-to-day basis whether it should be extended.
While streets throughout the city appeared nearly deserted, police made 95 arrests for curfew violations, preventing gangs of rioters from assembling, said Police Chief Mr Paul Humphries.
Overall, nearly 250 people have been arrested and more than 100 injured in the rioting.
Police are wary about the large turnout expected this afternoon at funeral services for Timothy Thomas (19).