Young women charged with assaulting officer during protest

nathan denette/the canadian press

Protesters use a newspaper box to break a window downtown during the second day of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

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Published: February 15, 2010 1:37 a.m.

Last modified: February 15, 2010 2:50 p.m.

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Two young women have been arrested and charged with assaulting an officer in connection with an anti-Olympics protest in Vancouver that turned violent, police announced yesterday.

Charlotte Christine Hannah, 23, and Willow Violet Louise Riley, 18, were arrested along with five other protesters during the Heart Attack March on Saturday.

According to police, a group of masked “thugs” hid within a legitimate demonstration simply to “promote anarchy,” kicking cars, spray-painting buses and smashing store windows.

One protester threw a newspaper box through a window and another had a bicycle chain wrapped around his fist when he was arrested.

“Protesters intent on provoking police ... began throwing traffic barricades around,” Const. Jana McGuinness said.

“Their tactics then escalated as they sprayed vinegar in officers’ eyes, threw sticks and spat on members.

“Officers on the front line maintained restraint and ... after nearly two hours the crowd dispersed. Two officers were injured with flying objects and one was sent to hospital.”

Sean Tanner, 23, from Coquitlam, said the protesters went too far.

“They dressed like terrorists, putting fear in people,” Tanner said. “There should be a place for protesters, but it should be done in a more civilized way.”

Tina Gonzales, 34, from Vancouver, said they weren’t proving anything and were “just killing the spirit in town.”

Mike Malembe, 32, from Vancouver, said "I respect the right of the people if it does not disturb the public order."

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