Ferguson Police Chief thanks community for overwhelming show of support [Video]

FERGUSON, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle on Saturday thanked the community for what he described as an “overwhelming” show of support in the wake of an officer being injured during a protest Aug. 9 at the department.

Officer Travis Brown sustained a severe head injury when protester Elijah Gantt, 28, of East St. Louis, allegedly ran into the officer, who was blocking Gantt’s path as he fled police. Gantt has since been charged with first-degree assault and other crimes.

Five others have also been charged with crimes in the incident, which happened on the 10-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s death. Hundreds gathered earlier that Friday in peaceful protests, but after midnight the crowd dwindled and those remaining damaged a fence and were arrested or dispersed.

On Saturday, Doyle said the show of support shown to the department in the wake of the officer’s injuries has lifted spirits and shown a sense of unity.

“Your unwavering support …