Community protests man who died in police custody

BALTIMORE, Md. - A protest march is being planned for Tuesday afternoon by the family, friends of Anthony Anderson, Sr., who died last week in police custody after he was arrested for allegedly selling drugs. Police said he died after swallowing the drugs he had allegedly been selling, but witnesses said the 46-year-old Anderson was beaten by police.

The protest is slated for the corner of Montford Ave and Biddle Streets, where the incident took place.
 
Rev. Witherspoon, president, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is calling for an independent investigation into Anderson's death.

"Members of the Baltimore Peoples Assembly and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference have interviewed family members, neighbors and friends who witnessed first-hand what they describe as extreme police brutality and abuse that they believe led directly to the death of Anthony Anderson Sr.," said Rev. Witherspoon. "We are calling for an independent investigation of Mr. Anthony Anderson Sr.'s death."

Sharon Black, a representative of the All Peoples Congress and the Baltimore Peoples Assembly, added, "The brutality that we heard witnesses describe is shocking.  Along with adult family members observing the events, young children were also present. We will not rest in this case until justice is won."