Police arrest 39 in Occupy Austin demonstration

— A pair of predawn confrontations between Austin police and Occupy Austin protesters led to 39 arrests.

The first confrontation came about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when officers moved to enforce a new rule banning food tables in the City Hall plaza after 10 p.m. Some protesters surrounded the tables with arms linked.

The Austin American-Statesman reports another confrontation came when more than 50 police officers moved to clear an amphitheater on the plaza for a regular power-washing, leading to more arrests. Most of the protesters, however, remained peaceful and moved to allow the cleaning before returning to their spots.

No injuries were reported.

Upcoming Events