"A small political gathering of about 18 liberal thinkers at River Forks Park Sunday afternoon erupted in conflict when about 35 members of the conservative tea party intruded upon the meeting, waving flags and holding signs accusing the rival group of being Marxists, communists and socialists.

The liberal group -- organized by MoveOn.org -- decided to leave the park and move its potluck to a nearby home.  Members of the conservative group followed, parking at the entrance of a private lane leading to the home to continue their protest.

Roseburg Democrats Dean and Sara Byers said Monday they told tea party members who followed that they were not welcome to drive down the lane to their home.

The Byerses said they got out of their car to stop vehicles from entering the driveway and one tea party member almost ran them over.

Sara Byers said she was so shaken that she called 911. She said a Douglas County deputy called about an hour and a half later and said he had been unable to respond because of other incidents.