Protesters and dockworkers were hit with wooden bullets when Oakland police opened fire to clear an anti-war demonstration at the Port of Oakland this morning.
About 400 to 500 protesters tried to disrupt operations at two terminals of companies they say ship military cargo for the Department of Defense.
Most of the protesters dispersed, but when some refused, police began shooting wooden bullets into the crowd.
``I was marching in a circle when the police lowered their guns at us,'' said Oakland resident Scott Fleming, 29, a criminal defense attorney. ``I started to run and kept getting hit in the back.''
Fleming showed reporters five large welts on his back that he said was caused by the wooden dowels fired by police. Several dockworkers were also hit.
``I'm a lawyer and I'm seriously considering filing charges,'' Fleming said. ``They're supposed to shoot at our feet and they were shooting at our backs.''
Oakland Police said at least 24 people were arrested.
``Some people were blocking port property and the port authorities asked us to move them off,'' said Deputy Police Chief Patrick Haw. ``Police moved aggressively against crowds because some people threw rocks and big iron bolts at officers.''
Police spokeswoman Danielle Ashford said officers fired bean-bag rounds and wooden dowels. They also used sting balls, which send out a spray of BB-sized rubber pellets and a cloud of tear gas.
``When they hit you, it feels like a bee sting,'' Haw said.
Six dockworkers were treated by paramedics. It was unknown how many of the protesters were hit or injured.
Monday's protest at the Port of Oakland was just one of several planned throughout the Bay Area. Other protests were expected at the Concord Naval Weapons Station, a Lockheed Martin facility in Sunnyvale and federal buildings.
Mercury News wire services also contributed to this report.
