Police in Ottawa, Canada, used pepper spray and stun grenades and arrested nearly 200 who were part of the Freedom Convoy to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions.
Police also had more than 50 vehicles towed in an attempt to clear out demonstrators who have been protesting in the area for weeks. At least 191 protesters were arrested and 57 vehicles were towed in the city’s downtown area as of Sunday evening, Ottawa Police tweeted, adding, “streets cleared.”
Late Sunday, the police department tweeted, “A Coventry Road location previously occupied by an unlawful assembly is now clear. 20 vehicles were towed and a police presence will remain in place to prevent anyone from returning.” Ottawa Police Service said Tyson George Billings, 44, of High Prairie, Alberta, was arrested Saturday.
He was formally charged by the criminal investigations section Sunday with mischief, counseling to commit the offense of mischief, counseling to commit the offense of disobeying a court order, obstructing police, and counseling to commit the offense of obstructing police.
He was scheduled to appear in court later Sunday. The department has spent the morning warning anyone inside a so-called secured area without proof of exclusion would be arrested and that police would be removing all vehicles parked on certain streets. “If you are involved in this protest, we will actively look to identify you and follow up with financial sanctions and criminal charges,” Ottawa Police tweeted earlier Sunday. The department shared a photo of officers lining a snow-covered city street.
