Police, protesters clash in eastern Ontario
Last Updated: Friday, April 25, 2008 | 10:03 PM ET
CBC News
Mohawk protesters were taken into custody on Friday following a tense standoff and clashes with police in eastern Ontario.
Ontario Provincial Police say the confrontation began after Shawn Brant, an organizer of the high-profile blockade of a Montreal-Toronto CN Rail corridor last June, was arrested during a traffic stop Friday afternoon in Deseronto, which is west of Kingston.
Brant, 44, faces charges of assault with a weapon, mischief under $5,000, breach of recognizance, weapons dangerous and possession of marijuana. Police said the assault was not related to recent protest activity.
During his arrest, supporters arrived on scene and clashed with officers, causing minor injuries to two officers, and smashing the window of an OPP vehicle, police said.
"This violent criminal activity occurred outside of any legitimate protest and will not be tolerated," said provincial police Commissioner Julian Fantino in a news release.
"Police officers being assaulted and injured for doing their utmost to keep the peace and protect the law-abiding community is unacceptable."
Police say they then set up area roadblocks, permitting only limited access to the area of Deseronto Road to ensure public safety.
Hours later, they clashed with protesters again when they tried to take several people into custody who were wanted in relation to protests earlier in the week.
Ten people were arrested. Six adults were charged, while four youths were released.
Among those arrested was Dan Doreen, leader of a group that erected a blockade Sunday on Deseronto's main road.
Several dozen Mohawk protesters set up the blockade to protest a land dispute with a Kingston-based developer. The blockade was dismantled Tuesday morning with the arrival of some 200 provincial police officers.
With files from Canadian Press
