PETERSBURG, Va. -- There was a visible police presence that caught the attention of some on S. Crater Road Saturday morning.

Petersburg Police officers were there to keep an eye on things before and during a Confederate flag run that took place.

"We just wanted to make certain that we had coverage with our officers to make certain that people that come through our city are safe as well as the citizens who are here," said Esther Hyatt, spokeswoman for the Petersburg Police Department.

Several weeks ago at a flag run put on by different organizers, a bottle was thrown during the parade.

Police are currently investigating but wanted to make sure there were no issues on Saturday.

"We actually had to hire officers overtime to be out here," said Hyatt.

However, while on their way to the flag run, Jacob Yost said someone threw some sort of drink at his sister's car, which police are investigating.

"It makes me feel like we are being disrespected," said Yost.

In the recent months, the Confederate flag has caused controversy for many, who say it is offensive. However, those here maintain the flag not about hate.

"We want to show people that we don't want our heritage to be taken away, we want it to stick around because it's been here for so long," said Austin Fisher who participated in the run.

The flag run started near Ace Hardware in Petersburg and ended in Chester at I Don't Know Sports Grille.

Police said 25 cars took part, which was much less than the previous run.