Some released, others still in custody following Coutts arrests

By Delon Shurtz Southern Alberta Newspapers on February 16, 2022.

Seven people arrested Monday in relation to the protest at Coutts have been released from custody, while four others remain behind bars pending further court hearings.

Three of those four are charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Chris Carbert, 44, of Lethbridge; Christopher Lysak, 48, of Lethbridge; and Anthony Olienick, 39, of Claresholm; face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, as well as charges of mischief to property over $5,000, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Lysak also faces a charge of uttering threats.

None of the three accused was released Tuesday following a bail hearing in Lethbridge provincial court, and will need to address their bail another day in Court of Queen’s Bench. In the meantime, their next hearing is set for Friday in provincial court.

The fourth accused who was not granted bail Tuesday, Evan Colenutt, 23, of Raymond, is not charged with conspiracy, but faces charges of mischief to property over $5,000, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. His matter also returns to court Friday.

Also facing charges of mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose are Ursula Allred, 22, of Magrath; Johnson Chichow Law, 39, of Calgary; Justin Martin, 22, of Raymond; Eastin Stewart Oler, 22, of Raymond; Joanne Person, 62, of Coutts; Janx Zaremba, 18, of Raymond; and Luke Berk, 62, of Red Deer.

RCMP reported they arrested the individuals Monday, after becoming aware of a cache of firearms and ammunition. A blockade of trucks and vehicles has been at the crossing since Jan. 29, but protesters began dispersing Tuesday in response to the discovery of weapons.

“The development with weapons and the personal armour was not associated with us, and to keep that distance we decided to leave peacefully,” said Marco Van Huigenbos, an organizer.

Police believe a small organized group within the protest was willing to use force if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade. During the raid Monday, police uncovered 13 long guns, as well as handguns, a machete, and a large quantity of ammunition and body armour. Two additional weapons were seized later in the day.

Those released on bail are required to abide by several conditions, including a promise to pay $2,000 if they breach any conditions. They must not contact each other, or go within 200 metres of any protests or protest events, and, with the exception of Person, they can’t be south of Milk River. They are not to possess any weapons and must reside at specific addresses. Oler, Allred, Law and Zaremba were granted permission to live in Calgary, while Berk will reside in Red Deer, Martin in Turner Valley, and Person in Coutts.

All seven accused are set to return to court March 15.

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