Hamilton police arrest 3 people in connection to events at J.C.Beemer park

At least threesupporters of theHamilton Encampment Support Network(HESN) werearrestedFriday, CBC News has learned, days after protesters and police clashed over encampment evictions atJ.C. Beemerpark.

Sarah Jama co-founder of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario was arrested around noon at Beasley Park, HESN member Sabriena Dahab told CBC News.

"A few of the network supporters showed up at Beasley Park where another teardown is underway," Dahab said.

"Supporter Sarah Jama was approached by cops and has been arrested."

Dahab said supporters then gathered outside Hamilton Central police station,where they believed Jamahad beentaken. Shewas laterreleased, Dahab said,meanwhile, several others werearrested, she said.

"It was violent," Dahab said. "Isaw them put their knee on my friend's neck... We will notacceptthistreatment of Black youth. This is not how you build trust."

Dahab said the group's lawyer has been contacted.

Three additional peoplefacing charges

Hamilton policesaid in a release Friday afternoonthat three additional people hadbeen arrestedin connection toevents that took place earlier this week at J.C.Beemer park.

As a result of their investigation, three people face charges,including a 27-year-old female, a 24-year-old female anda 20-year-old male, charged with obstruction of police, andassault andobstruction of police.

Dozens of officerswereat J.C. Beemer Park throughout the dayWednesday as bylaw officers moved to evict those who had been staying there.

Protesters with the HESNwho tried to stop the evictions clashed with police and two people were arrested then a 33-year-old man charged with obstructing police and a 27-year-old woman charged with assaulting a police officer.

When asked about the use of what appeared to be physical tactics by police on Wednesday, police said in an email that"a shoulder pin may be used to affect an arrest and is taught at the Ontario Police College."

However, "all use of force techniques must be continually assessed," they said.