Nearly 200 people arrested in Ottawa protests as investigators look into 2 police-related incidents

Now, investigators are looking into two police-involved incidents Saturday at the protests in Ottawa, Ontario authorities said Sunday. “The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating two police-involved incidents that occurred at the demonstrations in Ottawa yesterday and is urging anyone who has information, including video, to come forward,” Ontario’s SIU said. Preliminary information indicates around 5:14 p.m. Saturday, “there was an interaction between a Toronto Police Service officer on a horse and a 49-year-old woman on Rideau Street and Mackenzie Avenue. The woman has a reported serious injury,” the SIU said. No additional information was released on the circumstances of the injury. Separately, “At approximately 7:18 p.m. Vancouver Police Department officers discharged Anti-Riot Weapon Enfields (less-lethal firearms) at individuals in the area of Sparks Street and Bank Street. No injuries have been reported at this time,” the agency said Sunday. “The SIU asks anyone who may have been struck by a projectile to contact the unit.”Protesters and idling trucks have blocked the streets of Ottawa. Some demonstrators have”For the past three weeks, many businesses in the downtown core have been unable to operate safely due to serious concerns caused by the blockades, which has resulted in significant financial losses for local businesses,” the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario said in a statement Saturday.Federal officials said small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 that they wouldn’t have to pay back, the agency said. The funds, totaling up to $20 million, may only be used for non-deferrable operational costs not covered by other federal programs.Police say some protesters had grenadesThe end of the strife downtown may be nearing as authorities begin to show their presence on foot and on horseback. Along with mounting arrests, about 60 vehicles have towed over the weekend, police said. Some of those arrests included protesters who allegedly had smoke grenades and fireworks and were wearing body armor, police said.”Protesters continue to be aggressive and assaultive on officers. They are refusing to comply with the orders to move,” And despite threats of legal consequences, many have showed no signs of backing down.On Friday, authorities said protesters assaulted officers and tried to remove their weapons. And on Saturday, police alleged a protester threw a gas canister. “We were slow and methodical, yet you were assaultive and aggressive with officers and the horses. Based on your behavior, we are responding by including helmets and batons for our safety,” police said, addressing the protesters. Two of the protests’ organizers were arrested and charged this week, authorities said. Tamara Lich, 49, faces a counseling to commit the offense of mischief charge. Christopher John Barber, 46, was charged with counseling to commit the offense of mischief, counseling to commit the offense of disobeying a court order, and counseling to commit the offense of obstructing police.Barber’s attorney, Diane Magas, said her client contested a bail hearing Friday and was released on conditions and a bond.CNN’s Paula Newton, Chuck Johnson, Artemis Moshtaghian. Paradise Afshar, Raja Razek, Chris Boyette, Laura Studley and Jenn Selva contributed to this report.