The Ohio State Police Division and the Columbus Division of Police broke up an organized march on the corner of Lane Avenue and High Street Saturday night.
The march was in memory of Daymon Dodson, an area rapper and DJ who passed away in 2006 of an epileptic seizure, and marked the eighth remembrance since his death in 2006. The march and other organized activities are known as Daymon Day.
Three people were arrested after police stopped the parade with pepper spray at about 9 p.m., according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Police said the group required a special duty escort but no officer signed up for the event, although the group said it had a permit to march, according to the Dispatch.
The parade began at 8 p.m. at Tuttle Park, located at 240 W. Oakland Ave., before traveling down Lane Avenue where police dispersed the group.
About 60 people were walking in the memorial march, according to The Dispatch.
Some members of the march did not immediately respond to comment Sunday evening, but the group’s Facebook page released a statement concerning the encounter with police.
“Daymon Day is nothing more than a group of family and friends getting together to celebrate life. For the past seven years Daymon Day has served as a meaningful, peaceful and inspiring event. We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred last night during our 8th annual Daymon Day Parade,” the statement said.
University Police and Columbus Police representatives did not immediately respond to calls requesting comment about the notice Sunday evening.
