By Trend News Line 2024-04-10 21:05:56.
The Tense Standoff in Coutts, Alberta
In a gripping courtroom testimony, Sgt. Greg Tulloch shed light on the tense and delicate situation that unfolded in Coutts, Alberta, during a COVID-era border blockade. The RCMP officer described the challenging relationship that the police had with protesters as they tried to disperse the demonstration that caused disruption between Alberta and Montana.
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Identifying the Leaders
Sgt. Tulloch recalled his encounters with Alex Van Herk, Marco Van Huigenbos, and Gerhard Janzen, the individuals charged with mischief over $5,000. Crown prosecutors are determined to prove that these three men were the masterminds behind the protest that brought cross-border traffic to a standstill for two weeks in early 2022. Van Huigenbos emerged as a key figure, with whom Sgt. Tulloch had most of his interactions.
Escalating Tensions
The situation took a dangerous turn when Van Huigenbos warned of potential chaos if logging trucks were not allowed to join the protest in Coutts. Concerns about safety and the introduction of unknown actors added to the complexity of the standoff. Sgt. Tulloch highlighted the risk of outside elements disrupting the peaceful protest and causing violence.
Heated Exchanges and Interventions
As the tension mounted, a semi-truck blocked the highway, leading to a confrontation between the driver and the police. Van Huigenbos and Janzen intervened, diffusing the situation and allowing the officers to proceed. However, the highway remained impassable, with Van Huigenbos expressing his concerns about losing the trust of his followers if the trucks were not allowed through promptly.
A Military-Like Presence
On a subsequent visit to Coutts, Sgt. Tulloch observed a significant change in the atmosphere. New individuals, dressed in camouflage and vests, gave the protest a more militaristic feel. Smuggler’s Saloon, a gathering point for the demonstrators, seemed to have transformed into a military installation, raising further alarm bells for the authorities.
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Obstacles and Challenges
The situation worsened when large excavators appeared near the highway, presenting a new obstacle for the police. Despite orders to remove the machines, the individuals responsible only moved them a short distance. Concerns arose about the potential use of the excavators to block or damage the highway, prompting the police to take decisive action to disable them.
A Resolution Achieved
After persistent attempts to reach Van Huigenbos to address the excavator issue, the RCMP decided to disable the machines themselves. The tense standoff in Coutts finally came to a close, with the authorities successfully averting a potential crisis.
This report by The Canadian Press offers a detailed insight into the unfolding events in Coutts, Alberta, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing a high-stakes protest situation..
– Alberta border protesters convinced to quit
– Mounties persuasion at Mischief trial.
