Tension remains in California protests over unarmed black man Stephon Clark's killing

LOS ANGELES, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A local activist attending a peaceful vigil for Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man killed by police on March 18, was struck by a sheriff's vehicle on Saturday night, causing chaos in the demonstration at one point.

The scene happening in south of downtown Sacramento is part of the days-long protests against Clark's killing. An autopsy report revealed the victim was shot eight times, mostly in his back.

The woman injured at the vigil is identified as Wanda Cleveland and was released from hospital early Sunday morning, according to the Sacramento Bee. She said the patrol vehicle was accelerating and "never even stopped" before hitting her.

"It was a hit and run," she was quoted by the Sacramento Bee as saying. "It's disregard for human life."

"This is another glaring example of the dehumanization of our community by law enforcement; a state bodyguard intended to protect and serve," the Sacramento Black Lives Matter group said on it Facebook page Sunday.

A video from ABC10 shows that a group of people carrying signs of protest surrounded a Sacramento County sheriff police cruiser, and a voice on megaphone said "Back away from my vehicle" four times.

In a statement, Sacramento County Sheriff's Department said the collision happened at "slow speeds" after protesters were "yelling while pounding and kicking the vehicles' exterior." The incident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Clark's death has triggered widespread anger, as protesters stopped the flow of traffic on an interstate highway, and blocked thousands from entering into a basketball game.

More events are planned in the coming days as outrage continues. "Be on the look out!" the Sacramento Black Lives Matter group said on Facebook. Enditem