A young Ohsweken man sought by the OPP since its botched raid in April on the native occupation of a housing site has been arrested and charged with three criminal offences.
Meanwhile, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino is blasting a Richmond Hill man over his intention to stage another rally near Douglas Creek Estates to underline his claim that natives are being held to a different standard of law than non-natives.
Gary McHale has participated in two rallies and was arrested at the last one just before Christmas over his plan to place a Canadian flag near the disputed site. His next rally is set for Jan. 20.
"I think it's provocative," Fantino told The Spectator. "I think it's irresponsible and I think, at the end of the day, intelligent people will see it for what it is. It's mischief making."
He wouldn't say whether McHale faces arrest again, but said, "We'll maintain the peace at all costs in Caledonia and lawbreakers will be dealt with."
Police said yesterday that Christopher Hill, 20, was arrested Wednesday with the assistance of Six Nations police during a routine investigation of an unrelated matter. They did not say what that was.
Hill had been sought by the OPP on an outstanding warrant for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the April 20 raid on Douglas Creek Estates, which natives have occupied since Feb. 28. They claim Six Nations never surrendered the property. Ottawa says it was surrendered and sold in the 1840s.
Hill has been charged with assaulting a police officer, assault with a weapon and breach of probation. Dozens of OPP officers moved onto the site early on April 20 and arrested at least 16 protesters. Police pulled out after four hours when dozens of natives and supporters moved back on the site.
Fantino said he has "zero tolerance" for actions in which the safety of a police officer is compromised and said police continue to investigate "all incidents" related to the occupation. "Those responsible will be brought to justice where there is evidence to do so."