Police, Protesters Face Off On Bridge In Dakota Access Pipeline Protest

CANNON BALL, N.D. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police and protesters faced off Sunday night at the site of the Dakota Access pipeline protest in North Dakota.

The Morton County, North Dakota Sheriff's Office estimated 400 protesters were on the Backwater Bridge trying to go north on state Highway 1806 late Sunday evening. Law enforcement had formed a line to prevent their movement.

Police were firing water cannons and tear gas at the protesters, and had arrested at least one person late Sunday, CBS2 reported.

Protesters' live video streamed from the scene appeared to show the water cannons being used.

U.S. Sen. and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) called on the White House to protect the protesters Sunday night.

The bridge was closed after it was damaged by fire in October, shortly after law enforcement moved in to evict protesters from private property owned by the pipeline developer.

Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners is building the $3.8 billion pipeline, which crosses through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. Opponents worry about potential effects on drinking water on the Standing Rock Sioux's reservation and farther downstream on the Missouri River, as well as destruction of cultural artifacts.

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