1st LD Writethru: Baltimore begins curfew after street riots

After days of street riots, Baltimore, the largest city in U.S. State of Maryland, began its week-long curfews at 10 p.m. Tuesday (0200 GMT, Wednesday).

The citywide curfews were declared on Monday by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who condemned the violence, looting and arson after the funeral held for Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old African American who died after suffering a spine injury in police custody earlier this month.

The man's death had triggered week-long protests since April 19 and eventually turned into chaotic looting, arson and violent confrontations with the police.

Nearly 20 police officers were wounded by rock throwing, several of whom suffered serious injuries, and nearly 20 stores and structures were burned during the riots, local police department said, adding that they are looking into the death of Grey and will release the result on Friday.

U.S. President Barack Obama noted Tuesday morning that there is no excuse for that kind of violence. "They're not protesting, they're not making a statement, they're stealing."

"They're destroying and undermining businesses and opportunities in their own communities that rob jobs and opportunity from people in that area," Obama told a joint press conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Since violence began in Baltimore on Monday afternoon and continued overnight, more than 200 people had been arrested and fires were reported at over 150 spots in the city.

During the daytime Tuesday, most of local schools were closed and public transit was shut down in parts of the city.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and called out thousands of National Guard officers to help restore order on the street. Endi