The RCMP officer testified about the tense relationship between police and protesters during the COVID-era border blockade in Coutts, Alberta. The trial involves three individuals charged with mischief over $5,000 for spearheading the protest that disrupted cross-border traffic for two weeks in early 2022. Sgt. Greg Tulloch described efforts to persuade the protesters to leave when he first arrived on the scene. He identified the three accused as leaders and had most of his interactions with one of them, Marco Van Huigenbos. There was concern about additional individuals joining the protest with intentions to cause chaos or violence.
Van Huigenbos informed the police that logging trucks were attempting to pass the police checkpoint to join the blockade, warning that things could escalate quickly if their request was denied. Tulloch expressed worry about the situation becoming problematic if more individuals became involved with conflicting intentions. The police ultimately agreed to allow the trucks to enter, but Van Huigenbos delayed the action at the last minute due to the highway being closed again. When Tulloch drove into Coutts, a semi blocked the highway, leading to a confrontation with the driver. Van Huigenbos and another individual intervened to ease the situation and allow the police to continue.
The situation in Coutts worsened when the highway became completely sealed off, with new individuals wearing camouflage and vests at the protest site. Smuggler’s Saloon, a gathering place for protesters, started to resemble a military installation, causing concern for the police. Additional problems arose when two large excavators were dropped off near the highway, potentially blocking access. The individuals responsible for the excavators moved them only a short distance after being asked to remove them, raising suspicions about their intentions. Despite attempts to contact Van Huigenbos to have the excavators removed, the police decided to disable them to prevent further disruptions.
The testimony from Sgt. Greg Tulloch highlighted the challenges faced by the police in dealing with the protest and the evolving situation in Coutts. The accused individuals were described as key figures leading the blockade and influencing the actions of other protesters. Concerns were raised about the presence of unidentified individuals and the potential for violence or chaos to escalate within the protest group. The decision to allow logging trucks to join the blockade and the subsequent delays in actions taken by the protesters added to the complexity of the situation for law enforcement. The presence of military-style attire and equipment further heightened tensions and raised suspicions about the protesters’ intentions.
As the trial continues, the court will further explore the events surrounding the border blockade and the actions of the accused individuals. Testimonies from police officers like Sgt. Greg Tulloch shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and maintaining public safety. The interactions between police and protesters, as described in the testimony, illustrate the delicate balance between upholding the law and respecting the rights of individuals to peacefully demonstrate. The details shared in court help to paint a clearer picture of the events that transpired during the protest in Coutts and the efforts made by law enforcement to address the situation appropriately.
