Police closure of Sandy Hill street 'started a problem' at Panda game party: councillor
CTV
Ottawa police say more than 2,000 people descended on Russell Avenue late Saturday night, with some flipping a vehicle and leaving a trail of garbage and debris along the residential street.
The massive party near the University of Ottawa following the annual Panda game between the uOttawa and Carleton University football teams left at least seven people injured, a vehicle flipped and property damaged.
Coun. Mathieu Fleury said police noticed an increase in crowds around 7:30 p.m. on a stretch of Russell Avenue and "a decision was made to close the street."
"From my perspective, that started a problem which enabled sidewalk and street to be taken over by more than 2,000 students," he told CTV News. "Then obviously hooligans took over."
Fleury made the comments shortly after a meeting with Mayor Jim Watson and Police Chief Peter Sloly, which Fleury called a 'fulsome conversation.' Questions remain about why there was such a small police presence at the hours-long party as it got out of hand. Fleury said police need to provide some clarity.
