Police cited and released more than 40 people late Wednesday night while clearing out an illegal Occupy encampment in downtown San Francisco, a police spokesman said.

Occupy protesters camping out on the sidewalk in front of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco building at 101 Market St. were arrested for illegal lodging at about 11:30 p.m., police spokesman Officer Albie Esparza said. The majority of the 45 arrested were cited and released.  There was one person arrested for a felony along with two juveniles who were detained.

Esparza said that police had been distributing leaflets to those camping in the area illegally in recent weeks to warn protesters that the encampments were not allowed and would be removed.

The Occupy encampment was completely cleared by 2:15 a.m. About 20 were arrested without incident, Esparza said, adding that  they would most likely be cited and released.

The camp had been there since last fall. Officers remained in the area, ensuring that campers do not return, Esparza said.