‘We’re in control of the situation’: police make progress to take back city streets
Posted Feb 18, 2022 09:56:00 PM.
There’s been a shift in control in downtown Ottawa as police reclaimed the city’s streets from truck convoy protesters on day 22 of the demonstration.
Ottawa police say they have reclaimed the city's streets from truck convoy protesters on day 22 of the demonstration.
In an update to the media at about 4 p.m. on Friday, February 18, interim police chief Steve Bell said police have gained control of the situation that has been building for three weeks, thanks to the help of officers from around Canada who have come in to help.
“We’re in control of the situation on the ground,” he said.
Adding that police “have contingencies effectively dealing with threats” they’re seeing on the ground.
According to Bell, no injuries were sustained by protesters on Friday, but one officer did report a minor injury for which they were treated. Among the day’s updates include 70 arrests ranging in charges, including mischief.
Bell once again pleaded with parents with children at the protest to get their kids out of the situation.
“Even through all the planning it still shocks and surprises me to see children put in harm’s way in the middle of a demonstration where a situation where a police operation is unfolding,” he said. “We will continue to look after their safety and security. We implore all the parents who have kids in there, get your kids out of there. They do not need to be in the middle of this. It is not a safe place for them.”
His remarks come after police witnessed protesters putting kids in between themselves and police during standoffs on Rideau Street.
Bell assured, however, that while Children’s Aid services have not been needed or used, police do have plans to ensure the safety and security of children that remain in the protest.
Protesters continue to be afforded the opportunity to leave and have been given “many, many” chances to do so and will continue to be given windows to leave.
As Bell said, police are “focused on returning our city to the place we all know and love.”
