The last truck blocking the southbound lane moves after a breakthrough to resolve the impasse at the protest blockade at the United States border at Coutts, Alta., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. (The Canadian Press)

By Sheldon Spackman / The Canadian Press

Case Paused Indefinitely

Charges stayed for Red Deer man arrested at Coutts border blockade

Jul 14, 2022 | 3:07 PM

There has been a stay of proceedings for a Red Deer man charged in the Coutts border blockade earlier this year.

Luke Berk, 63, saw his matters stayed during a Lethbridge court appearance on July 12, 2022. The stay means his case has been paused indefinitely.

Berk was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief over $5000 in the two-and-a-half week long protest against COVID-19 restrictions and government health mandates.

Berk was among 11 individuals initially arrested at Coutts, AB on Feb. 14, 2022, after Alberta RCMP said they became aware of a small organized group within the larger Coutts protest that had access to a cache of firearms with a large quantity of ammunition.

Mounties said the group was alleged to have had a willingness to use force against police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade.

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As a result of their investigation, Alberta RCMP executed a search warrant on three trailers associated to the alleged criminal organization, resulting in the arrest and detainment of 14 individuals eventually.

During their search, police seized 13 long guns, handguns, multiple sets of body armour, a machete, a large quantity of ammunition, and high capacity magazines. Two additional weapons were seized later in the day.

Two tactical vests also seized by RCMP had badges on them, which the Canadian Anti-Hate Network said have links to troubling movements.

One vest was described as having a “Diagolon” patch on it, a white diagonal line across a black rectangle, that is linked to an often conspiratorial and antisemitic group.

Mounties further noted the attempted ramming of a police vehicle by a large farm tractor and semi-truck, both involved in the illegal blockade, and later seized by RCMP.

A judge and jury trial, meantime, has been scheduled for next year for four men charged with conspiracy to commit murder at the border blockade.

Chris Carbert, Chris Lysak, Anthony Olienick, and Jerry Morin are being tried together from June 12 to 30, 2023.

On July 11, 2022, the Crown elected to proceed with a direct indictment against the foursome, eliminating the need for a preliminary hearing before trial.

Lysak, Olienick, and Morin have already been denied bail and will have been in custody for 16 months before the 2023 trial begins. A judge is expected to render a bail decision for Carbert next week.

Court has heard there is a large amount of information on the case, including wiretap audio and summaries.

(With files from The Canadian Press)