Minimum wage protest leads to 10 arrests

Protesters want the minimum wage increased to $15 a hour.

September 5, 2014; 10:19 AM • by Richard Hayes

Around 2:20 PM yesterday, Thursday, September 4th, a group of protesters gathered near a Burger King on the 2300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike. The protests, which were planned by labor organizers for about 150 cities nationwide throughout Thursday, are part of a campaign called “Fight for $15“. The goal is to increase the minimum wage for fast food workers to the point that their pay provides a livable wage.

At one point the protest moved from the sidewalk to Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Henrico Police stated in a press release that,

“Henrico Police became aware of the situation when a Henrico Officer drove by the protestors in front of the McDonalds around 12:30 PM. Several people were observed sitting in the roadway. A portion of Mechanicsville Turnpike was shut down, and warnings were given to the protestors.”

Thanks to Henrico Fire, Henrico Sheriff’s Department, Richmond Police, and Virginia State Police for their assistance.
The following have been charged with two (2) misdemeanors each, one (1) count of unlawful assembly and one (1) count of impeding the flow of traffic.

La’sheika M. Harris – 23 years old

Samuel L. Taylor – 23 years old

Jarode S. Woodson – 27 years old

Tavon K. Taylor – 24 years old

Katrina T. Lewis – 32 years old

Nina S. Edwards – 24 years old

Rey A. Arteaga Jr. – 22 years old

Tierra L. Bradley – 18 years old

Rolanda R. Mcmillan – 52 years old

Tanisha Green – 28 years old

“Fight for $15” is stating that over 500 protesters in 150 cities were arrested yesterday during peaceful demonstrations and many can be seen under the #StrikeFastFood hashtag.

Image: ABC8