Scuffle at pro-marijuana rally results in charges
By: Dan Singleton, Calgary Herald (CN AB), 04-22-05


An RCMP officer escaped injury during a scuffle with a man arrested at a pro-marijuana rally outside Red Deer's city hall, say police.

"One of the officers had made an arrest and was escorting the gentleman back to our detachment when he fled," said Red Deer RCMP Const. Carol McKinley.

"The member who had arrested him was able to catch up with him and an altercation ensured."

Several hundred people, some openly smoking marijuana, gathered outside the municipal office during the annual Pot Day protest on Wednesday.

In all, 15 people -- 14 adults and one youth -- were charged with drug possession.

One adult was also charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer.

"We had to address the enforcement issues and enforce where we could and where necessary," McKinley said.

© 2005 H.U.M.A.N.: Hemp Users Medical Access Network - Toronto Medical Marijuana