Peterborough police smashed a vehicle window to arrest an organizer of the “slow roll” convoy that took place in Peterborough on Saturday (February 26) for failing to appear in court on earlier charges.
Local anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine mandate advocate Tyler Berry posted a public Facebook Live video of the arrest, after he and his girlfriend were pulled over on George Street near the Holiday Inn around 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
Berry had organized and participated in the “slow roll” convoy that had taken place earlier, starting at Chemong Road and proceeding to Morrow Park.
The video shows a police officer who approached the passenger-side window, displayed an arrest warrant, and asked Berry to roll down the window.
“I don’t consent,” Berry continually repeated, refusing to roll down the window. Berry also challenged the way his name was spelled on the arrest warrant and said he refused to cooperate with the “corporation” of the Peterborough Police Service.
After around seven minutes, during which time Berry called the police “criminals” among other things, police warned him they would break the window if he did not comply.
“This is your choice,” a police officer can be heard to say through the closed window.
“If you want to smash the window, go right ahead,” Berry replied to the officer. “I’m going to hold you guys accountable. You will personally be held accountable. I’m going to take your job. You have an opportunity to walk away. I don’t consent.”
After another minute, the police smashed the passenger-side window, opened the door, and asked Berry to get out of the car.
Berry climbed out of the door and immediately either fell or collapsed on the ground, with police dragging him away before placing him in a police car.
Berry’s girlfriend then drove to the Peterborough police station, asking people watching the video to come to the station.
As of Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m., a small group of protestors had gathered outside the police station.
VIDEO: People at Peterborough police station protesting the arrest of Tyler Berry
Tyler Berry
Posted by Tee Freedom on Saturday, February 26, 2022
Berry was previously arrested and charged with criminal harassment and intimidation of a health official following an incident at the home of Peterborough medical officer of health on January 19. He was released on an undertaking with conditions and was scheduled to appear in court on February 17.
At the time of his arrest for the January 19 incident, police also served Berry with a court summons on two charges of mischief in connection with an unsanctioned parade on December 11, 2021.
kawarthaNOW contacted the Peterborough Police Service about Berry’s arrest, but they refused to comment. On Saturday evening, police issued a media release stating an unnamed 31-year-old Peterborough man “who participated in the convoy was arrested on George Street on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on February 17” and was held in custody for a bail hearing on Sunday (February 27). No other charges were laid.
The media release also states police “monitored” Saturday’s “slow roll” convoy, in which they estimate 100 vehicles participated.
“The convoy adhered to all rules of the road,” the media release states, and no charges were laid.
This story has been updated with information provided in a police media release.
