More Than 30 Pipeline Protesters Arrested In Past Few Days

ALMONT, N.D. (AP) — Authorities in southern North Dakota say more than 30 protesters have been arrested in the last few days at a Dakota Access pipeline construction site north of Almont.

The site is about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northwest of the main protest site near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Morton County authorities say eight people were arrested Wednesday, including three cited for locking themselves onto construction equipment. The county says 69 people have been arrested since protests began last month.

A federal judge declined last week to block the pipeline, but the government halted work near Lake Oahe in order to re-examine approval of the pipeline on Army Corps of Engineers' land.

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier says his office will keep pursuing charges against protesters who attach themselves to equipment.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)