Mayor Frank Jackson

Mayor Frank Jackson before addressing reporters on Sunday following a day of protests in Cleveland.

(Adam Ferrise, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police arrested 71 people during a day of protests on Saturday following the acquittal of Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo.

Police Chief Calvin Williams said on Sunday that about 39 are men and at least 16 women were arrested. Juveniles and were also arrested during the protest, Williams said. A police spokeswoman said she expects to release more detailed information on who was arrested.

Formal charges could ultimately include obstructing justice, aggravated rioting, unlawful congregation and failing to disperse, Williams said. One person was arrested on suspicion of felonious assault, Williams said. It's unknown if those who were arrested are still in police custody or when they will be arraigned.

"We only moved into make arrests when things got violent and protesters refused to disperse," Williams said. "We wanted to make sure people understand we are going to help you in this process, but if things turn violent, we will take action to preserve safety."

Williams said they are reviewing videos taken by police, protesters and others to determine who will be criminally charged and what charges they ultimately will face.

He said police and prosecutors will file charges within 24 hours on misdemeanor cases and within 36 hours for felony cases.

Williams and Mayor Frank Jackson on Sunday both said most of the protesters were peaceful.

"Throughout the early part of the day, those activities were peaceful," Williams said. "As we began to go towards the early afternoon hours, things got more aggressive."

The first incident happened on Huron Avenue outside Quicken Loans Arena. Three people were arrested there.

Williams said that one of the protesters picked up a restaurant sign and threw it at a bar patron walking into the building. The sign hit that person in the head. Williams said two others tried to fight with police while that person who threw the sign was being arrested.

Another fight broke out between protesters and patrons of Greenhouse Tavern after demonstrators went to the East 4th Street restaurant strip. Four others were arrested there.

Two more were arrested about a half-hour later on Euclid Avenue near East 8th Street. Williams said some protesters there used pepper spray on bar patrons who were standing outside.

The final clash came after protesters ended up blocked into Johnson Court between West 6th Street and West 9th Street.

Williams said police reported seeing "random acts of violence" between protesters and patrons of the popular nightlife area. Williams said police made dozens of commands for the protesters to disperse.

He said they then decided the situation became dangerous for the bystanders, protesters and police officers. Dozens were arrested there, including Northeast Ohio Media Group crime editor Kris Wernowsky, who was later released.

"When people are given a command to disperse from what started off as a lawful protest and degenerated into random acts of violence against people just standing on the street, we have to move in and enforce our laws," Williams said. "And that's what we did."

Williams also said they will not change their strategy in regards to potential protests later on Sunday outside Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavs are set to play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Indians also play at 1:10 p.m. at Progressive Field.

Jackson said police were able to manage after protesters on Saturday went to Progressive Field as the game ended. No one major confrontation occurred then and no one was arrested until the protest had moved to East 4th Street hours later.

"Our position is going to be the same as it has been throughout this process," Williams said. "Our officers will not be in riot gear unless it's appropriate. Our officers will be escorting protesters throughout the city."