Man charged for smashing windows at CBC Ottawa

A man has been charged for smashing four large windows at CBC Ottawa’s headquarters on Queen Street with a sledgehammer, according to reports by CBC Ottawa.

Ottawa Police arrested and charged Berhane Embaye Zerat, 46, for mischief to property over $5000 and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, according to its official statement. 

At around 1:55 p.m., CBC employees at 181 Queen St. heard loud noises and dialed 911, said Const. Marc Soucy, of the Ottawa Police.

CBC reporter Andrew Foote tweeted that a man said he was a former federal civil servant who wanted media attention because he was denied the right to work. 

The man was first apprehended by CBC security and later turned over to Ottawa Police, said Soucy. 

He confirmed no employees were injured.