Tensions in Capitol Hill mount as residents, protesters clash over access, crime

SEATTLE — Residents caught in the middle of the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, also known as CHOP, on Wednesday expressed frustration about the ongoing activity in their neighborhood, complaining about blocked streets, criminal behavior and a lawlessness that has allowed protesters to set traffic rules in their area without consequence.

City crews installed 4,000-pound concrete barriers to open a lane of traffic on 11th, 12th and Pine streets, around the CHOP zone, so residents can get to their homes, businesses can operate, and emergency vehicles can respond to any issues. But some protesters decided to block the open traffic lanes although they later opened them. The group warned that they would again impede traffic flow from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Wednesday night.