Canadian police regained control of the Ambassador Bridge after a seven-day blockade by arresting protesters and towing vehicles.
Windsor — Canadian police arrested 25 to 30 people Saturday and Sunday as they regained control of the Ambassador Bridge after a seven-day blockade. As of Sunday afternoon, the bridge has not reopened but police say they’re hopeful it will sometime Sunday as plans are underway. “We have to be able to do that safely, we have to be sure we’re ready to do that,” Windsor Police Service Sgt. Steve Betteridge said, “and obviously, it’s not the Windsor Police that (reopen it). There are several agencies involved.” Windsor Police Service Chief Pam Mizuno said she is proud of what police were able to achieve with a collaborative effort. “Please know, we are moving as fast as we can, however, we need to make sure this is a safe and sustainable solution,” Mizuno said. Mizuno said five vehicles were seized Sunday and seven Saturday that were in or near the blockade on Huron Church Road. An Ontario judge granted an injunction Friday against protesters but c rowds remained defiant over the weekend despite it. Earlier this week, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency in response to two weeks of demonstrations in Canada’s capital over the pandemic restrictions. Just before noon Sunday, chants of “Freedom!” could be heard as demonstrators were cleared out of all areas near the bridge, but by the afternoon crowds had dissipated as a snow storm hit.
