Occupy Boston members used a massive march and stalemate with police at the Charlestown Bridge yesterday as an opportunity to expand their camp to another stretch of land beyond Dewey Square, against police wishes.
After lifting tents in a scurry, the group took over an additional portion of the MassDOT-owned property, leading to a logjam with police as “occupods” locked arms and prepared for possible infiltration.
By 6:30 p.m. Police Commissioner Ed Davis was on scene and said officers were devising a plan and would make arrests if the occupiers didn’t move the tents by nightfall.
“We will do what’s prudent at the necessary time,” said Davis. “They are not authorized to stay here. We are not going to let them stay.”
Police cruisers circled the Greenway grounds as protesters linked-up shoulder to shoulder and scribbled the phone number to the National Lawyers Guild on their arms.
Leading up to the impasse, thousands of local college students marched “in solidarity” with Occupy protesters. Flanked by various unions and local organizations, the crowd attempted to cross the Charlestown Bridge before police stopped them.
At press time, protesters in the expanded campground were preparing for police intervention.
On the march
Yesterday, in brief.
More than 1,000 students sat in the street near South Station during occupation.
Bruins fans leaving the Garden clashed with protesters causing several heated arguments on Friend Street.
Charlestown Bridge was blocked off from all traffic for close to an hour.
Organizers met Sunday night to talk about occupying more land.
Follow Steve Annear on Twitter @steveannear.
