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Norman Clement

(Connecticut State Police)

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - State Police arrested a 66-year-old protester who is being accused of blocking an ambulance carrying a critically-ill patient during a demonstration.

With the increase of demonstrations happening throughout the country, Connecticut State Police are reminding people that protests blocking any highway or roadway is a crime, can be dangerous and will not be tolerated.

Protesters opposing President Donald Trump's immigration policies, blocked the Exit 47 ramp from Route 34 westbound to Interstate 95 north at about 4:25 p.m. Saturday. Troopers responded and attempted to clear between 100 and 200 protesters who were blocking the roadway, police said.

"The protesters were in the process of being cleared from the highway, but not before they obstructed an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient. Due to this delay ambulance personnel were required to perform an emergency medical procedure in the ambulance instead of at the hospital," police said in a written statement.

After police cleared the roadway they identified the leader of the protest who was shouting though a microphone and loudspeaker.

State Police Troopers New Haven officers eventually located the leader of the protest on the corner, who was identified as Norman Clement, 66, of State Street, New Haven.

"Clement ran from law enforcement personnel through the crowd, knocking over several of his supporters, before being apprehended. Clement actively resisted arrest and was sprayed with (pepper spray)," police said.

Clement was eventually charged inciting a riot, disorderly conduct, interfering with an officer and reckless use of the highway by a pedestrian. He was released on $5,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear at New Haven Superior Court on Feb. 13, police said.