protester tosses frying pan at officer

Twelve protesters were arrested after a scuffle with police on Michigan Avenue at Ohio Street that left five officers injured, including one hit in the head with a frying pan, police said.

Gary C. Wagaman, a 30-year-old Michigan resident, tossed the pan at a police line and hit an officer assigned to a bike unit Wednesday evening, officials said. The officer was wearing a helmet, police said.

The incident touched off a skirmish that led to the other 11 arrests as others in the group tried to stop police from getting to Wagaman. The 11, ranging in age from 18 to 38, face a variety of misdemeanors related to the protest.

The protesters had been using pots and pans to make noise during a march up the Mag Mile, police said. Those arrested were part of a larger group marching in support of students in Canada who have been demonstrating against issues including higher tuition fees, according to Leon Andersen, a member of Occupy Chicago who said he was part of the march but not among those arrested.

Protesters began marching on the 500 block of South State Street around 5 p.m. and then headed to Michigan Avenue toward Canada’s consulate office, Andersen said.

Many of the protesters were associated with the Occupy Chicago movement, but some were members of other activists groups as well, said Rachael Perrotta, a member of Occupy Chicago’s press committee.

Wagaman was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer and is expected to appear in court today.
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