LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) — Lafayette Police Department officers on Saturday detained an armed motorist during a peaceful protest, according to the department in a Sunday news release. On Saturday, Lafayette officers responded to a report of a disturbance near the intersection of Columbia Str eet and North 3rd Street during a 50501 Movement protest. Officers arrived to the scene following reports of a verbal altercation between a protest participant and a passing motorist. Witnesses told officers that the exchange escalated when the protester made physical contact with the motorist, who then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and walked through the protest area. Officers quickly located and temporarily detained the motorist at a separate location. A field interview was conducted, and officers began a preliminary investigation. At this time, investigators believe the firearm was not knowingly or intentionally pointed at anyone. However, the presence of a firearm in a tense, crowded public space caused alarm among community members. The Lafayette Police Department is reviewing video footage and other available evidence to determine the full scope of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators urge those who directly witnessed the incident or have first-hand information to come forward. Video evidence can be submitted at this link. All findings will be forwarded to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office for review. ...read more read less