13 arrested as Occupy New Haven ends

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- 13 people were arrested as New Haven police swept through the Green, evicting what was left of the Occupy New Haven movement.

Police started moving Occupy New Haven protesters out of the Green starting at 8:00 a.m.

It had the potential to be much worse, but despite the angry rhetoric, the New Haven Police were able to clear the Occupiers off the Green with basically no violence at all.

For days, they've been packing up their tents, knowing that the Green was about to become un-occupied.

"It's a blow for civil rights across America. They're the longest occupation in New England," one Occupier said.

But after 6 months, Occupy New Haven lost its last legal battle. As police moved in, one group of protestors linked arms in one last act of civil disobedience. Then, one by one, officers carried them away, with the rest of the crowd taunting and heckling them the whole time.

"It's completely unnecessary," one said. "Nobody here has caused any violence or caused any kind of trouble."

Mayor John DeStefano said Occupy has cost the city $145,000. Click here to learn more.

But a handful did cross the line, literally. At least three in the crowd got arrested for walking where police told them not to. But there was no violence, every arrest was peaceful, even their lawyer couldn't complain.
 
"Oh, it went beautifully. People stood up for their feeling that banks have bought the politicians and are getting too much control," said Occupy's lawyer Irving Pinsky.

Then came the cleanup. First, all the tents had to be checked for drugs, bombs and anything dangerous, then came the heavy machinery to cart away 6 months worth of tents, furniture and debris.

In just a couple hours the Public Works Department had eliminated almost any trace the Occupiers were ever here. It will take a lot longer for the grass to grow back.

Occupiers say they will head back to the Green tonight, which officials say is fine, they just can't sleep there.

No word yet on what charges the 13 people who were arrested face.