Arrests made at NB shale gas demonstration
By The Canadian Press
News Public Sector rcmp security shale gas
REXTON, N.B. - The Mounties say dozens of people were arrested after Molotov cocktails were thrown at officers and police vehicles torched today when they began enforcing an injunction to end a prolonged demonstration against shale gas exploration in eastern New Brunswick.
Constable Jullie Rogers-Marsh says at least five RCMP vehicles were destroyed after they were set ablaze and at least one shot was fired by someone other than a police officer at the site of the protest in Rexton.
The RCMP began enforcing the injunction at around 7:30 a.m. to end the blockade of a compound where energy company SWN Resources stores exploration equipment.
Rogers-Marsh says police decided to enforce the court-ordered injunction because threats had been made against private security guards at the site the night before.
She wouldn’t comment on reports that officers had fired rubber bullets.
The Mounties say at least 40 people were arrested for firearms offences, threats, intimidation, mischief and violating the injunction.
Robert Levi, a councillor with the Elsipogtog First Nation, says police pepper-sprayed dozens of people after 9:30 a-m when he arrived at the protest site with the chief and council.
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