13 arrested during Trayvon Martin Protest

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Thirteen in Indianapolis were arrested as they demanded justice for Trayvon Martin.

The teen's killing is a story that has gripped the nation.

And Sunday, Pastor David Hampton and members of Light of the World Christian church blocked the 46-hundred block of Michigan Road in an effort to raise awareness.

With hundreds linked at the arm, singing old negro spirituals, this demonstration was reminiscent of civil rights demonstrations in the 60's. The killing of Trayvon Martin has struck a nerve.

George Zimmerman is the man shot and killed unarmed Martin and claimed self-defense.

The neighborhood watch volunteer has not been charged.

He is standing by Florida's Stand your Ground Law which states "A person may use deadly force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first."

Thirteen were arrested, including 76-year-old Marva Shaw. The youngest was 21.

The leaders of the church had previously advised the IMPD of their plans and officers on the scene were quickly able to block off Michigan Road as to avoid any potential injuries to the demonstrators.

After being in the street for approximately twenty-five minutes, the demonstrators were told to disperse.

While continuing to demonstrate, they were then advised again to disperse or they would be arrested for obstructing vehicular traffic. At that point most of the demonstrators, with the exception of thirteen, left the roadway.

After refusing to leave the roadway, those remaining thirteen demonstrators were peacefully arrested and transported to the IMPD Northwest District roll call to begin their processing.

As the pastor who organized the peaceful demonstration was escorted by police, he shouted to the crowd: "I commend our police department for doing (it's) job," David Hampton said. "You can be arrested for blocking traffic but a murder walks free."

When 24 Hour News 8 asked IMPD Chief of Police Paul Ciesielski about the demonstration he told us: "I was proud to be apart of it today in a small way.

"We appreciate the great relationship we have with the Light of the World Christian Church," said IMPD Chief Paul Ciesielski.