Niagara police lay charges in weekend lockdown protest in St. Catharines

Niagara police have laid charges in connection with a lockdown protest in St. Catharines last weekend.

Protesters gathered in the city on Saturday. Uniform officers were on hand at the time but did not interfere with the gathering.

“Officers use discretion to best manage the situation to not cause it to escalate and to preserve the peace,” said police in a news release.

“The leading principle is keeping the peace and public safety and in doing so, at times, must utilize discretion when it comes to immediate enforcement.”

Police say detectives have been investigating and have now laid charges.

Cullen McDonald, 30, of Lincoln and 37-year-old Sandor Ligetfalavy of Niagara Falls are both charged with common nuisance/endanger lives or safety of public.

Both were released with a future court date next month.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old Alymer woman faces charges under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Police say further charges are pending, in addition to those issued by Niagara Regional by-law.