Editor's note: This story has been updated from the original with additional information.
SYLVAN LAKE – Defeated Innisfail mayoral candidate Glen Carritt has been charged with assault and mischief in connection to a convoy-related altercation in Sylvan Lake last week.
RCMP issued a news release on Feb. 8 that stated police were monitoring a “Freedom Convoy” rally on Feb. 3 that was travelling from Eckville to Sylvan Lake.
RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said as it travelled through Sylvan Lake, a pickup truck pulled in front and blocked the convoy.
He said the lead participant of the convoy approached the driver of the pickup truck and an altercation ensued.
As a result of an investigation into the incident, RCMP have charged the lead participant of the convoy, Glen Daniel Carritt, 56, formerly of Innisfail, with assault and mischief.
Savinkoff said Carritt was released to appear in Red Deer provincial court on May 18.
The former Innisfail town councillor, who moved his primary residence to a five-acre acreage west of town late last year, appeared at a downtown Innisfail rally on Feb. 7 that was protesting against provincial COVID restrictions, specifically the masking mandate.
Carritt confirmed to the Albertan on Feb. 7 he was facing an assault charge but that another person had also been jointly charged.
Savinkoff told the Albertan that Carritt was the only person who was criminally charged from the Feb. 3 incident.
Carritt told the Albertan on Feb. 8 he was talking to his lawyer before commenting further. He later texted the Albertan with a comment from his Red Deer lawyer Maurice Collard, which the Albertan confirmed with Collard.
"Mr. Carritt maintains his innocence, hopes these charges are not politically motivated, and looks forward to clearing his good name in Court. Mr. Carritt will not be stopped in his ongoing fight for the freedoms and liberties of all Albertans," said Collard.
Savinkoff said in his news release that additional provincial charges were laid during the incident, including a charge for failing to yield to pedestrian under the rules of the road regulation to the driver of the vehicle who blocked the convoy.
“The Alberta RCMP ask that motorists and pedestrians remain calm and obey all laws when encountering any type of protest,” said Savinkoff in his news release.
“Confronting people and committing unsafe acts only serve to further inflame the situation. Individuals are asked to drive slowly, with increased caution and patience.”
