Police arrest 43 people outside jail in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Authorities in North Carolina have arrested 43 people outside a jail in Charlotte.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the arrests were made Thursday afternoon outside the Mecklenburg Detention Center.

Volunteers and activists had set up tables to provide food and water to people leaving the jail.

They also say they were helping former inmates to find housing and mental health services. But officials with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said visitors and employees were harassed while jail operations were impeded.

Sheriff Garry McFadden had told the group to leave. Authorities said the group refused and were arrested hours later.