This just in from the Vancouver police. I’m not sure this is going to make Quebec, currently fulminating over the lack of a French presence at the opening ceremonies, feel any better.
Vancouver – Vancouver Police with support of the V2010 Joint Intelligence Group are announcing more arrests in connection with the protests last weekend.
Police have arrested a man they suspect was the ringleader of the criminal element that vandalized cars and stores in downtown Vancouver this weekend.
On Friday February 12 Police watched a person who is well known to them lead a group of criminals all dressed in black set up a barbed wire barricade in a downtown intersection. The barricade caused the Torch Relay to be diverted.
The same person was seen on Saturday February 13 dressed in black pulling a cloth over his mouth and nose and a hood over his head. Using an air horn, the leader of the group who has described himself publicly as an anarchist told the others to feel free to vandalize.
He then led the group on a march that included the spray painting of vehicles, the breaking of windows, the looting of a ladder from London Drugs and other damage.
Guillame Joseph-Marc Beaulieu, 27 of Vancouver has been charged with mischief over $5,000.
Another person was arrested by Vancouver Police on Sunday February 14 in connection with an assault on two journalists during a protest march.
Lliam Brander, 27 of North Vancouver has been charged with assault.
The investigation continues and further arrests may be pending.
The total number of arrests stemming from the vandalism and criminal activity connected to the legitimate protests now stands at 11. The charges include five people breached for disturbing the peace, assault, assault police officer, and mischief.