CHAOS returned to the streets of Ferguson after a grand jury declined to indict a white police officer in the death of Michael Brown — a decision that enraged protesters who set fire to buildings and cars and looted businesses in the area where the unarmed, black 18-year-old was fatally shot.

    Monday night’s destruction appeared to be much worse than last summer’s protests, with at least a dozen businesses badly damaged or destroyed. Authorities reported hearing hundreds of gunshots, which for a time prevented fire crews from fighting the flames.

    The grand jury’s decision means that officer Darren Wilson, who is white, will not face any state criminal charges for killing Brown, whose death inflamed deep racial tensions between many black Americans and police.

    Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said the jury of nine whites and three blacks met on 25 separate days over three months, hearing more than 70 hours of testimony from about 60 witnesses, including three medical examiners and experts on blood, toxicology and firearms.

    McCulloch repeatedly cited what he said were inconsistencies and erroneous accounts from witnesses.

    Brown’s family released a statement saying they were “profoundly disappointed” in the decision.

    Thousands of people rallied late Monday in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and New York to passionately but peacefully protest the grand jury’s decision.

    U.S. President Barack Obama issued an appeal Monday for restraint by protesters and police.

    Obama also urged Americans to understand that much work remained to be done to improve relations between black Americans and law enforcement.

    U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday night that a federal investigation will continue despite the county grand jury’s decision. (SD-Agencies)