HAYWARD (KRON) – Police and SWAT teams are swarming the streets of Oakland, hoping to quell crowds angry over the death of Oscar Grant III. Grant was fatally shot New Year’s Day by a BART police officer at the Fruitvale station.

Concerned about safety, spokesperson Linton Johnson says BART trains are not stopping at the 12th Street Station. After being closed for several hours, the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations have reopened. Bus bridges are still in place to transport displaced passengers.

KRON 4's Christine Connolly says AC Transit is also affected by the protests. According to their spokesperson, the 1R and the 72 lines that go through downtown Oakland are currently maneuvering through the road blocks.

After rallying at the Fruitvale station Wednesday afternoon, protestors started walking through Oakland, heading downtown towards BART headquarters. Authorities say a group gathered around a police vehicle, trying to roll it over. After several unsuccessful attempts they ditched the car and, instead, set a dumpster on fire. Police swarmed the area and put out the fire as the crowd dispersed, breaking into several splinter groups.

Near City Hall at 12th and Broadway, KRON 4’s Kate Thompson says police cars and officers are set up at almost every intersection, redirecting traffic and pushing protestors away from the area. Kate says officers are being taunted and screamed at, while the sound of bottles shattering fills the air. Many businesses in the area have brought down metal gates to protect their storefronts.

Grant was laid to rest at Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward Wednesday afternoon. About 700 people attended his funeral, remembering him as a loving father who liked to swim, play baseball and fish.

The Reverend Ronald Coleman, who presided at the funeral service, urged people to remain calm, “This is something that the world is watching. They will wonder if we will start a fight or a civil commotion. We must respond with prudence. I understand that some of you youngsters are upset, but nonetheless we have to trust in God. This is not your fight.”

Shortly after the funeral, BART officials announced that the officer who shot Grant submitted his resignation papers. Johnson says the resignation will have an effect on the investigation, “This prevents us from compelling him to talk on the administrative investigation. We are still urging him to continue on with the criminal investigation and to work with the DA’s office.”

Attorney John Burris filed a $25 million wrongful death claim on Tuesday against BART on behalf of Grant’s family. Officials with the transit agency continue to urge patience while the investigation into the shooting continues. They have 45 days to respond to the suit.

Stay with KRON4.com and watch the KRON 4 news for more on this developing story.

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