Police and demonstrators squared off, with some being taken down to the ground by officers, during a weekly protest on Capitol Hill against tuition hikes.

People gathered along Broadway Avenue East near Seattle Central Community College Wednesday night in what is usually a peaceful demonstration.

During Wednesday’s protest, Seattle police moved in as protesters were warned not to interfere with pedestrians and traffic as marchers walked around moving cars.

When a KIRO 7 Eyewitness News crew arrived, police had blocked traffic to get the demonstrators onto the sidewalk when a scuffle broke out between officers and a protester.

Sam Levine recorded the conflict that showed several officers forcing a man down to the ground.

“They came out and they started trying to push people back, and I saw this guy fall down on the ground as these cops were taking him down.  Everyone was up on the sidewalk at this point, and a police officer comes and he starts shaking this can of pepper spray,” said Levine.

The protesters said they've been inspired by the student tuition protests in Montreal where about 800 people have been arrested.

“We’re not going to be intimidated, and I feel like if the police are going to intimidate us, we’ll get even more people because it’s our right to protest, and we’re protesting crushing student debt,” said protester Mandy Verona.

The demonstrators did not have a permit to march in the streets, and some told KIRO 7 they have no plans to get one and expect their numbers to grow throughout the summer.