Montreal Police Investigate Shooting, Vehicle Fire in Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension

Authorities in Montreal are probing a shooting incident and a subsequent vehicle fire that occurred on Sunday evening. The events unfolded in the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension district, prompting an immediate police response and raising concerns about potential links between the two occurrences.

Initial Reports of Shots Fired

The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) received calls around 9:25 p.m. reporting shots fired on rue de Castelnau Ouest near Clark Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered evidence of the shooting. However, no victims presented themselves to the authorities.

Investigators closed a section of rue de Castelnau Ouest to analyze the area and gather evidence related to the incident. Police also deployed a dog handler to aid the search, and they planned to review surveillance camera footage. No arrests have been made at this time.

Vehicle Set Ablaze

Approximately ten minutes later, a vehicle fire was reported to the SPVM on Avenue de l’Épée, near rue de Liège, in the same district. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. According to SPVM spokesperson, Jean-Pierre Brabant, the vehicle is considered a complete loss.

“This is what suggests a criminal fire,”

—Jean-Pierre Brabant, SPVM

Authorities believe at least one suspect was seen leaving the scene on foot just after the fire started. The investigation has been transferred to the SPVM criminal fire section. The SPVM is now exploring possible connections between the two events due to their proximity in time and location.

These events highlight the ongoing concern regarding crime rates in Montreal. According to a recent report, arson incidents have increased by 15% in the last year (City Crime Stats).