Shawn Crall, a 2012 Rolla High School graduate, and a 31 Bravo Military Policeman, recently spent two days in the rioting town of Ferguson, Missouri.

“[We did] riot control, patrolled the main headquarters of [the] Highway Patrol,” Crall said.

According to Crall, Ferguson was chaotic.

“It was very rowdy. People [were] yelling, throwing things, bashing law enforcement [and] you had people throwing rocks [and] boards,” Crall said.

Although it was considered dangerous to be in Furgeson at this point in the protesting, Crall appreciated his experience.

“I think it was a huge learning lesson this early in my career,” Crall said.

According to Crall, most of the protesters in Furgeson are coming from other parts of the country. To him, the media may be to blame for the violence.

“I think the media blew it up, which caused the rise in violence and out of town people coming in trying to get fifteen minutes of fame,” Crall said.

Crall believes that the violence that is happening in Furgeson is not going to solve the problems they are having.

“They want justice for Brown, but they have went too far with how they have handled themselves. I think they are treating law enforcement like they are all just out to get them, but that’s not the case. We are doing our job, [but] when they don’t listen to what we say it’s hard to get anything accomplished,” Crall said.

Despite the toughness of trying to settle down the rioting in the town, Crall tries to understand the protesters’ point of view.

“In general, you try and see where they are coming from and sympathize with them, but at the end of the day you have a job and family to go home to,” Crall said.

Although this is a tough situation, Crall believes that it can be settled in a more effective, calm way.

“The facts aren’t out yet, but that is why there is a justice system. If we all would work together, I think there would be peace there,” Crall said.