Kingston Police continue to assist as protests continue in Ottawa
Kingston Police remain in Ottawa, along with thousands of other officers from other police forces across the country, assisting Ottawa Police in restoring order in and around Ottawa’s downtown neighbourhoods amid continuing demonstrations and growing public pressure for the situation to end.
The so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ began in late January 2022, and has seen hundreds of transport truck drivers and others in support vehicles drive across the country to Ottawa to participate in the protest. Downtown Ottawa has been occupied by protesters for just over three weeks. On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, Kingston Police confirmed their presence in Ottawa, but citing operational security concerns, did not disclose more about their operations there.
At this time Kingston Police maintain they are not prepared to discuss matters related to the ongoing police operation in Ottawa, nor any involvement that Kingston Police may have, according to Constable Ash Gutheinz, Media Relations Officer for Kingston Police.
As part of their efforts to assist Ottawa Police last week, Kingston Police officers were involved in confiscating fuel from those gathered in the nation’s capital. Fuel was seized under the charge of ‘Aiding and Abetting of Mischief’, a Criminal Code of Canada offence, according to police.
Ottawa Police continue to close in on those gathered and refusing to leave, who mainly still remain amassed close to the Parliament Buildings. This follows a series of arrests that began on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022.
On the morning of Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, Ottawa Police released the following statements regarding some of the arrests of those allegedly involved in the organization of the convoy and subsequent occupation of downtown Ottawa:
Christopher Barber
“The Ottawa Police Service arrested Christopher John Barber, 46 years old, of Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
Barber has been charged by the Criminal Investigations Section with:
- Counselling to commit the offence of mischief;
- Counselling to commit the offence of disobey court order (s. 127);
- Counselling to commit the offence of obstruct police.
He is scheduled to appear in court today.
Yesterday, the Ottawa Police issued a notice to protestors advising that anyone blocking streets, or assisting others in the blocking streets, are committing a criminal offence and could be arrested.
Protestors were also informed to cease further unlawful activity, or they would face charges or fines.”
Tamara Lich
“The Ottawa Police Service has arrested and charged Tamara Lich, 49 years old, of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Lich has been charged with:
- Counselling to commit the offence of mischief;
She is scheduled to appear in court today.”
The latter statement regarding the arrest of Lich also included referred to the previous notice given to protesters.