Ottawa police have charged a man who crossed police tape near the National War Memorial while Prime Minister Stephen Harper was preparing to lay a wreath this morning.

No shots were fired during the arrest Thursday, which happened on Sparks Street just west of where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed Wednesday.

Ottawa police approach a man who crossed police tape near the National War Memorial on Thursday as the prime minister was preparing to lay a wreath in honour of the soldier killed Wednesday. The man was arrested. (CBC) Ottawa police said the man ignored police demands and he was immediately arrested. There was no link to Wednesday's attacks.

Police spokesman Const. Chuck Benoit said they don't know why the man crossed the police lines, but they searched him and no threat was found.

The man, 39, was charged with one count of obstructing police. He was scheduled appear in court on Friday morning.

"The barrier is there for a reason," Benoit said.

Ottawa police closed Elgin Street north of the pedestrian-centric Sparks Street.