Man Arrested In G20 Security Investigation
Posted June 23, 2010 6:48 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A 37-year-old computer security expert faces weapons and explosives charges after police searched his home in an affluent south Forest Hill neighbourhood as part of a G20 security-related investigation.
Investigators descended on 58 Elderwood Drive, in the Bathurst and Eglinton area, around 2pm Tuesday. A bomb disposal unit was called in for the effort and authorities locked down the street as they searched the residence.
Two command posts have also been set up in the area. Neighbours claim police had been watching the home closely since Friday.
“I had some police in my driveway since Friday and they said there were just a lot of break-ins in the area and they were monitoring what was going on,” resident Susie Schaefer said.
“They would park in the driveway and look at the house.”
Police do not suspect the accused, Byron Sonne, of terrorism, but say he could pose a security threat. On his Twitter account, he linked to video of the G20 fence and highlighted its flaws, explaining what protesters can “fabricate cheap and quickly to scale it.”
He also asked people living in the security zone to post a picture of the pass that gets them behind the lines. And he posted pictures of suspicious devices investigators believe he was building.
“It seems to be very much a snow job. You take someone who’s trying to do the right thing and make him look crazy. Byron’s not crazy,” said Sonne’s former boss, Mike Murray.
Sonne has been charged with:
- Intimidation of Justice System Participant by Threat
- Intimidation of Justice System Participant by Watch and Beset
- Mischief interfere with property
- Attempt mischief
- Possess explosive for unlawful purpose
- Weapons dangerous
“To protect the integrity of the investigation, further details will not be released, however; this investigation is part of the Toronto Police Service’s ongoing effort to ensure a safe and secure G20 Summit,” authorities said in a statement Wednesday morning.
A judge denied Sonne bail Wednesday morning. The accused will appear in court again on Saturday.
