ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Police surrounded and arrested about 300 protesters after a series of marches and sit-ins in St. Paul timed to coincide with John McCain's acceptance of the GOP nomination for president.

Caught up were several reporters assigned to cover the event, including Amy Forliti (for-LIT'-ee) and Jon Krawczynski (kra-ZIN'-skee) of The Associated Press.

Officers ordered them to sit on the pavement on a bridge over Interstate 94 and to keep their hands over their heads as they were led away two at a time.

Forliti and Krawczynski were among at least 19 members of the media detained. They were issued citations for unlawful assembly and released.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher says the St. Paul police department and its chief decided that members of the media would be issued citations and released.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-05-08 0101CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list