One person arrested after demonstration causes delays and safety issues on Highway 1

Burnaby

2022-04-13 12:14 PDT

File # 22-12137 / 22-982

A person's ankle inside a bike lock attached to a barrel

One person has been arrested after a Wednesday morning demonstration that blocked traffic on Highway 1 near Willingdon in Burnaby, creating delays and safety concerns for the public.

On April 13, 2022, Burnaby RCMP officers were called to the area around 7:45 a.m., with drivers reporting all westbound lanes on the highway had been blocked by demonstrators.

When police arrived, the majority of demonstrators left the area. One man who had locked his ankle to a barrel filled with concrete remained on the highway and refused to leave despite being given the opportunity to do so.

Police were able to carefully move him to a safe area, where the Burnaby Fire Department used specialized equipment to safely remove the lock from the man’s leg.

He was arrested for mischief.

The demonstration resulted in all westbound lanes on the highway near Willingdon being closed for about 15 minutes, which caused significant delays and traffic safety concerns. The highway was fully re-opened around 8:40 a.m.

Charges approved in January protest

Charges of mischief have been approved after a demonstration in January blocked highway traffic and caused significant road safety concerns.

On January 10, 2022 around 7:45 a.m. Burnaby RCMP responded to reports of a demonstration blocking the Willingdon off-ramp from Highway 1.

The blockage resulted in traffic on the highway backing up during the morning commute, creating delays for drivers and causing safety concerns for the public.

Participating demonstrators were given an opportunity to leave the area on their own, but three people who refused to leave were arrested.

On March 29, 2022 charges of mischief were approved by the BC Prosecution Service, against three people.

Demonstrators have a right to lawful, peaceful and safe protest, but this event created significant safety concerns for the travelling public and for those individuals who blocked this busy intersection during the morning commute, said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP.

To read the original release about the January 10 protest click here

The Burnaby RCMP will continue to engage in dialogue with organizers of demonstrations in order to facilitate a safe environment from where they may exercise their democratic right to protest.

Released by

Cpl. Michael Kalanj

Media Relations Officer
Burnaby RCMP
6355 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5G 2J2
Office: 604-646-9566
Fax: 604-646-9704

Email: burnaby_rcmp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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