Ottawa man among 10 arrested at protest near Tyendinaga

The Ontario Provincial Police is charging ten people involved in a demonstration near Tyendinaga, including one man from Ottawa

Officers notified protesters, shortly after 8 a.m., on February 24, that an injunction regarding barriers to the rail line would be enforced. The group was encouraged to leave the site and advised that enforcement could involve arrests for those who fail to comply.

Police say they were faced with aggressive actions by some individuals and officers responded with a minimal use of force to make arrests and maintain officer safety. 

One person was taken to hospital with a minor injury, was treated and released.

During the police operation, the following people were arrested and charged:

• Aaron Maracle, 36, of Ottawa, Ontario
• Corey Jay Jocko, 33, of Akwesasne, Ontario
• Tommy Gill, 34, of Odanak, Quebec
• Harley Moses David, 31, of Akwesasne, Ontario
• Trevor Spencer, 45, of Belleville, Ontario
• Harry Joseph Benedict, 30, of Akwesasne, Ontario
• Nicholas Kolbasook, 25, of Akwesasne, Ontario
• Nathan Strongitharm, 34, of No fixed address
• Jacob Sharpe, 24, of Tyendinaga Township, Ontario
• Stewart Americanhorse, 43, of Ohsweken, Ontario

Each is charged with:

• Mischief Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) Sec. 430(3)
• Disobey a Court Order – CC Sec. 127,
• Enter land where line work situated – Railway Safety Act – Sec. 26.1

Kolbasook, Strongitharm and Sharpe are also charged with Resist Arrest – CC Sec. 129(a). 

Americanhorse is also charged with Obstruct Police – CC 129(a).

All of the accused have been released on conditions and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee on March 24.

Investigation into protest activities is ongoing and the OPP will continue to engage in dialogue, with a reasoned and tempered approach, and proper use of police discretion.