Suspected convoy heading to Windsor thwarted by police

Police walk the line to remove all truckers and supporters after a court injunction gave police the power to enforce the law after protesters blocked the access leading from the Ambassador Bridge, linking Detroit and Windsor, as truckers and their supporters continue to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions, in Windsor, Ont., Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Windsor police say a suspected convoy attempting to reoccupy the Ambassador Bridge was thwarted by police before reaching the border crossing.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens along with Windsor Police Chief Pam Mizuno and Deputy Chief Jason Bellaire provided an update Wednesday on the current security situation along Huron Church Road and the ongoing police presence. It can be viewed on the City of Windsor Facebook page.

Mizuno says a suspected convoy from Ottawa was intercepted within the last 24 hours and stopped before reaching Windsor.

Mizuno says there remains a risk that compels action from all levels of government.

“When the time comes to return to normal, that will be a decision for the integrated law enforcement operation to make that determination,” says Dilkens. He indicated Tuesday that is could take weeks to return to normal.

The demonstrators set up the blockade on Huron Church Road on Monday, Feb. 7. They were protesting COVID-19 mandates.

A court injunction was issued on Friday, Feb.11 to remove the protesters from blocking the road to the border. Police enforcement escalated over the weekend and the border was reopened on Sunday evening.

There was a total of 90 charges, 46 arrests and 37 vehicles seized.

Police put up barricades along the east-west roads on Huron Church to prevent pop-up protests.

“Extensive considerations were made prior to police closing roads to ensure public safety, the ongoing security of the Ambassador Bridge and access to businesses,” states a post by police on Twitter.

Dilkens says it remains a national security situation that prevents them from simply reopening Huron Church Road to regular traffic at this time.

Police say the current traffic plan was developed in conjunction with Essex-Windsor EMS and Windsor Fire to ensure public safety. Closed roads in the area have and will remain accessible only to emergency services.