Protest over lack of drinking water turns violent, six people arrested

April 24^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com)  Six people were arrested during the evening hours of Monday and early Tuesday morning, after protests by residents of the San Francisco community in Tejar de El Guarco, Cartago turned violent.  Residents were protesting the lack of drinking water in the community.

According to authorities, at about 3:30pm on Monday, a group of residents began a rally near the Interamericana Sur bridge, where they erected a barricade of mattresses, tires, and other items, which they set on fire.

In response, authorities and about 40 riot officers responded to the scene to keep the situation under control.

Meanwhile, traffic police and firefighters also responded to the scene to control the fire and to assist the flow of traffic.

According to authorities, by about 9pm the situation turned violent, as a group of people returned to the scene with sticks and stones.  Authorities say some of the protestors even broke windows of nearby houses, though believe some of those involved were not part of the original protest.

Police responded by arresting six suspects on charges of disorderly conduct and property damage.

Several area residents said they regret what happened.  Residents say the protests were sparked because of poor water service and high fees in the area.