The offices of the owner of the Old Montreal building burned last Friday, Émile Benamor, were riddled with bullets late Tuesday evening.
The building in question is located on Berri Street, between Saint-Antoine and Saint-Louis streets, in Old Montreal. Around 11:50 p.m., the facade of the building was hit by several gunshots, reports Véronique Dubuc, public relations officer for the Montreal City Police Service (SPVM). Police responded to the scene after receiving several 911 calls.
The suspects allegedly fled in a small white truck, before being intercepted shortly after in downtown Montreal, explains Mme Dubuc. A firearm was found in the vehicle. A 17-year-old minor and two adults aged 19 and 20 were arrested in connection with the incident.
The individuals who were arrested should appear in court Wednesday afternoon and could notably face charges of discharging a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and conspiracy, adds Véronique Dubuc.
Last Friday, two people died in a fire in a century-old building in Old Montreal belonging to Émile Benamor. Tuesday, the chief coroner of Quebec, Me Reno Bernier, ordered a public inquiry into this incident.
In March 2023, another fire caused seven victims in a building located on Place d’Youville, in Old Montreal, belonging to the same owner.
More details will follow.
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