Updates as events unfolded: Third day of police action against Ottawa protest

A heavy police presence remains in downtown Ottawa as authorities look to hold the core amid a declining number of Freedom Convoy protesters.

Police first began to take back parts of the downtown on Friday. By Saturday, they had cleared Wellington Street in front of Parliament and other areas.

This action comes after police earlier issued many warnings for the protesters to leave the area or face criminal charges.

• 191 arrests later, Ottawa police pushing to end 'Freedom Convoy' protest

Key organizers have been arrested. By Saturday night, police were reporting that they had taken more than 170 people into custody.

CTV News has a team of reporters on the ground providing live updates as events unfold.

• Can't see the liveblog? Click here for the full experience.

The widget below captures updates since 9 a.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 18. Click here to see earlier updates. The updates ceased as of 4 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 18.

 

• 

  A truck is towed away in downtown Ottawa on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, after police worked to clear a trucker protest that was aimed at COVID-19 measures that grew into a broader anti-government protest. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Cole Burston)

• 

  Police clutch batons as they form a line to block Sparks Street, restricting access to the streets near Parliament Hill, they take action to put an end to a protest, which started in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandates and grew into a broader anti-government demonstration and occupation, on its 23rd day, in Ottawa, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Justin Tang)

• 

  Police move in to clear downtown Ottawa near Parliament hill of protesters after weeks of demonstrations on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

• 

  A protester looks on as police take action to put an end to a protest, which started in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandates and grew into a broader anti-government demonstration and occupation, in Ottawa, Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Justin Tang)

• 

  Police encounter protesters near the trucks parked on Capitol Hill in Ottawa, Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Robert Bumsted)

• 

  Police officers enter a blockade protest truck parked in downtown Ottawa, Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

• 

  A protester standing on a car bumps fists with another protester at a rally against COVID-19 restrictions outside Parliament in Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Robert Bumsted)