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Massey Tunnel protesters arrested, criminal charges being 'pursued'

The Save Old Growth protester atop the ladder at the tunnel this morning was found to have breached a bail condition sparked by a previous disruption
save old growth massey
This protester was arrested this morning at the Massey Tunnel

Richmond Mounties have arrested four people in connection with this morning’s Save Old Growth protest and disruption at the Massey Tunnel.

Police responded to several calls at around 7:30 a.m. of people on foot blocking traffic in both north and southbound directions, including one person on top of a ladder waving flares.

Richmond RCMP say officers arrived to find three of them sitting on Highway 99 at the tunnel, with the fourth atop the ladder.

All four were arrested without incident, say police.

Ladder protester broke bail conditions from previous disruption

However, the protestor on the ladder was later found to be breaching his conditions from a prior protest in a different city.

Police added that they are pursuing criminal charges against all four people involved in this morning’s disruption.

“We respect the rights of individuals for lawful, peaceful and safe protests, however when blocking a major highway is neither lawful nor safe, the police need to mitigate the circumstances,” said Insp. Mark Baxter, Richmond RCMP.

“Police are mandated to assuring public safety and the safety of everyone including the protestors. Richmond RCMP would like to extend its thanks to a commercial truck driver who assisted officers at the scene.”

This morning’s disruption at the tunnel lasted about 45 minutes, but caused a knock-on effect of major delays for commuters.

The same group were also understood to be behind a similar protest at the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge this morning and at locations on Vancouver Island.