Hoover police on Wednesday addressed the ongoing protests in the city, saying the safety of residents is their highest priority.

“Rest assured that Hoover police are monitoring the protests, and while we respect any citizen’s right of free expression, we will not allow any protest activity on any Hoover City Schools’ property,’’ according to a prepared statement. “We will also ensure the free flow of traffic.”

More than 100 protesters angry over the Thanksgiving night shooting death of Emantic Fitzgerald “E.J.” Bradford Jr. descended upon a couple of Hoover businesses Tuesday night and then briefly shut down a portion of Interstate 459.

Promising to protest every night, a caravan of dozens of vehicles arrived en masse at Walmart on Highway 150 about 8 p.m. Police officers from Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Alabaster, as well as Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies, were at the business and flanked protesters as they chanted and marched through the store.

After leaving Walmart, the group walked to nearby Buffalo Wild Wings, where they also entered that business and demanded justice for Bradford’s death at the hands of a Hoover police officer.

The caravan then took the protest to Interstate 459, getting on at Highway 150 and traveling slowly, with their hazard lights on, to the Interstate 65 interchange. At that point, a much smaller group got out of their vehicles, stood in the roadway and continued with their protest.

Police blocked the Hoover entrances to I-459 during the protest. Dozens of lawmen, some riding on police SUV running boards, flocked to the scene and ultimately dispersed the crowd. Several large wreckers were brought in by the city and protesters were told if they did not move out of the roadway, their cars would be towed, and they would be arrested. No arrests were made.

Previous protests have been held at the Galleria, Hoover City Hall, Sam’s Club and the home of Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. They are demanding that video of the deadly shooting be released and also want the officer who shot Bradford to face criminal charges.

City officials said they are thankful no one has been injured and no property damaged during the nearly two weeks of protests. “Most cities experiencing protests have found that the best practice, in general, is to allow them to be conducted as long as they are non-violent,’’ the police statement read. “Hoover residents should go about their normal activities.

“We also advise citizens to take every measure to avoid expressions of anger and frustration during protests, and to not make retaliatory or hostile comments on social media or other communications.”

Police advise residents to report any suspicious activity by dialing 911 or 205-822-5300.