Both a counter-protester and a convoy participant were arrested and are facing charges under the criminal code in connection with an incident at Brealey Drive and Stenson Boulevard in Peterborough on Saturday (February 19).
A small group of counter-protesters had gathered on the southeast corner of Brealey Drive across from Fleming College late Saturday morning, with the intention of frequently pushing the pedestrian crossing button to break up the so-called “Freedom Rally Convoy”, which had left Whittington Drive at 11 a.m. on its way to downtown Peterborough.
One of the counter-protesters instead decided to stand in the middle of the crosswalk to prevent convoy vehicles from going through the green light. While the counter-protester was attempting to block a dump truck, it moved forward, pushing him into the intersection.
A convoy participant subsequently confronted the counter-protester while he was blocking the dump truck and assaulted him.
Police officers eventually arrived at the scene to speak with the counter-protester.
Peterborough police say an officer was subsequently assigned to review and investigate the incident, which was captured on video by one of the counter-protesters.
VIDEO: Peterborough “slow roll” interrupted
As a result, a 34-year-old Peterborough man who was participating in the convoy was arrested and charged with assault. The accused man was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 8.
The 33-year-old counter-protester, also of Peterborough, was arrested and charged under the criminal code with intimidation – blocks or obstructs a highway. The accused man was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 10.
Police did not announce any charges against the driver of the dump truck.
Both assault and intimidation are hybrid offences under the criminal code, meaning they can be prosecuted as either a summary offence or an indictable offence depending on the seriousness of the offence.
The maximum jail term for a summary offence is two years less a day. As an indictable offence, the maximum jail term for assault is 10 years and for intimidation is five years.
A GoFundeMe campaign has been organized in support of the counter-protester “for his legal defense and any other fees he incurs while fighting this ridiculous charge.”
