TORONTO – Ottawa police have charged a 22-year-old man after he allegedly climbed the National War Memorial and began “fornicating” with a statue.
Police said that bystanders observed the man climb the memorial around 11:30 p.m. ET Sunday and, according to a passerby, “began fornicating the statue.”
He was arrested at the scene and charged with criminal mischief after bystanders called police. He was released after a brief court appearance Monday.
Police said more charges are possible as they continue to investigate the incident.
The granite war memorial near Parliament Hill features several bronze statues and is a tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians who have fought and died for their country. The memorial also holds the remains of the Unknown Soldier, which were returned to Canada from France in 2000.
It is the same memorial where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was fatally shot during the Ottawa shootings last October.
In 2006, two teenagers were caught urinating on the memorial on Canada Day leading to calls by veterans group for increased guarding of the memorial.
Anyone with information regarding this latest incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Central District Investigations Unit at extension 5166 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- ‘Super lice’ are becoming more resistant to chemical shampoos. What to use instead
- Is home ownership only for the rich now? 80% say yes in new poll
- Invasive strep: ‘Don’t wait’ to seek care, N.S. woman warns on long road to recovery
Comments