Commemorations marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown Jr.'s death began peacefully but escalated as the night progressed, resulting in injuries, property damage and several arrests, according to the Ferguson Police Department.

"There were protesters lined up across the street, and for most of the evening, they remained peaceful," Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle stated at a press conference on Saturday afternoon addressing a violent clash between police and protesters that occurred on Friday night.

"We even began blocking off our streets, allowing the protesters to demonstrate without interference. But as the night progressed, protesters started violently shaking the fence at our police station. We didn't intervene until they breached the fence and vandalized property."

According to a statement from a police spokesperson, officers were present to ensure a secure environment for protesters but encountered escalating agitation, culminating in the events that unfolded.

Doyle described the escalation, which resulted in a severe brain injury to a police officer. "I deployed an arrest team to address the property damage. As my team approached the suspect, one of our officers was assaulted and is now in critical condition at the hospital," he said. "This department has become a target for this community, but the officers currently serving were not even here in 2014. We've implemented every change the activist community has requested, from body cameras to bias training, yet we're still facing this violence."

Doyle expressed the emotional impact on his officers. "I had to look a mother in the eye today and tell her that her son, who joined this force to make a difference, might not survive. It's enough, and we're done with it. We want people to peacefully express their views, but we will not allow them to destroy this city or harm our officers."

The police chief emphasized the department's significant progress since 2014, noting a transformation in its personnel and approach. "In 2014, we had just three African American officers. Now, over half our officers are African American, and 23% are women. This department has been reborn, and it's time to move forward," Doyle stated.

Prosecutors have confirmed they are pursuing charges against several individuals involved in Friday night's events, including resisting arrest, assaulting police officers, and vandalism. "We support the right to peaceful assembly, but when that boundary is crossed, individuals must be held accountable," said the prosecutor, accompanying Chief Doyle.

While the investigation continues, Doyle and the prosecutor urged calm. "We need to cool things down," Doyle implored. "Now is the time for our community to come together, to pray for our injured officer, and to heal. We won't tolerate further violence."

Brown, 18, was shot six times by then Ferguson, Missouri, Police Officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. The fatal encounter was sparked by an incident earlier that day when Brown was accused of stealing a pack of cigarillos from a nearby store.

Brown's death triggered weeks of protests, turmoil and unrest in the small town 15 miles north of St. Louis, bringing Ferguson to national attention. Allegations of excessive force and racial bias sparked demonstrations across the country.