Several people arrested for bringing gas to 'Freedom Convoy' demonstrators in Ottawa, police say
Ottawa police arrested "several people" on mischief charges for bringing material goods to the "Freedom Convoy" demonstrators, as police begin to crack down on the supply of fuel and materials flowing into the downtown core.
Demonstrators have been using vehicles, wagons and sleds to transport gasoline cans and propane canisters to trucks inside the 'red zone' around Parliament Hill as the ten-day demonstration against COVID-19 vaccine mandates continues.
Police announced on Twitter Sunday afternoon that, "Anyone attempting to bring material supports to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest. Enforcement is underway."
Deputy Chief Steve Bell told CTV News at Six this is the next step in the enforcement to deal with the ongoing protest downtown.
"Look at how we limit things moving in and out of the protest area," said Bell.
"We’ve really focused and targeted on removing the access of gasoline to the area and we’ve had several seizures and several arrests related to that.”
Police told CTV News Ottawa the charge is known as "Aiding and Abetting of Mischief" per the Criminal Code of Canada.
Early Sunday evening, armed police officers and firefighters moved in on the Ottawa Baseball Stadium on Coventry Road, which has been used as a staging area for the demonstration. People at the site said police seized 3,200 litres of fuel being stored at the stadium.
Ottawa police reported Sunday that seven people were arrested, and 100 tickets were issued.
"Multiple vehicles and fuel have been seized," said police. "Officers arrested three individuals at Metcalf and Slater for mischief. The investigation is ongoing and updates will follow."
Two people were arrested on Coventry Road for mischief.
Police said two more people were arrested Sunday morning – one charged for driving while prohibited, the other for mischief relating to property damage at a downtown business.
More than 100 tickets were issued in the demonstration zone on Sunday, including for excessive honking, driving the wrong way, defective muffler, no seatbelt and having alcohol readily available.
More than 450 tickets were issued in the protest zone around Parliament Hill on Saturday and Sunday morning following a "disruptive" weekend.
"Overnight, demonstrators exhibited extremely disruptive and unlawful behaviour, which presented risks to public safety and unacceptable distress for Ottawa residents," said police.
Police and Bylaw Services officers have issued more than 450 tickets between Saturday morning and Sunday morning. Tickets were issued for the following infractions.
- Excessive noise
- Use of Fireworks
- Failure to drive in marked lane
- Red light violations
- Driving through a No Truck Route
- Seatbelt violation
- Driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk
- Cellphone
- Disobey sign
- Improper muffler
- Tint (too dark)
- Obstructed license plate
- Failure to produce documents
- Stunt Driving (vehicle seized)
- Suspended license
- No Insurance
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.