Montreal police (SPVM) arrested five people, including three teens, in possession of incendiary material in Côte-Saint-Luc and the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN-NDG) borough overnight.
An investigation is ongoing and SPVM report that “one of its aims is to determine whether these events are local repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East.”
“In the run-up to October 7, police officers will be on the lookout and exercising heightened surveillance to ensure the safety of Montrealers,” write police. They are pointing to their “increased visibility and surveillance plan” with their partners – saying it’s “bearing fruit.”
Two vehicles intercepted
At around 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday, the SPVM first intercepted a vehicle at the intersection of Décarie Blvd. and Isabella Ave. in CDN-NDG. “The occupants were a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds. Incendiary objects were found inside the vehicle,” say police.
“Fifteen minutes later, following a report from Côte-Saint-Luc public security, the SPVM apprehended two adults, aged 20 and 22, near the intersection of Chemin Kildare and Cavendish Blvd. The vehicle also contained incendiary material,” reads the SPVM press release.
Following their arrest, the suspects were released with conditions and a promise to appear at the Montreal courthouse (the two adults) and at the Youth Division of the Court of Quebec (for the three minors).
Ongoing investigation
The investigation led by the SPVM’s Arson and Explosives Unit continues.
Anyone with information is invited to contact 911 or their local police station. It is also possible to contact Info-Crime Montréal anonymously and confidentially at 514-393-1133 or via the reporting form available online.