(Montreal) A young adult suspected of being involved in an arson attack that occurred Thursday in southwestern Montreal has been arrested and will be questioned by investigators during the day. Extensive damage is reported to the building, a restaurant targeted for the second time in a week.
The fire started around 1:15 a.m. in the business on rue Thierry, near the intersection of rue Turley, in the borough of LaSalle. Firefighters from the Montreal Fire Department (SSIM) managed to extinguish the flames, but the damage to the building was deemed significant. The shattered windows of the establishment and the position of the vehicles in front of the facade of the place suggest that a car would have hit the restaurant. It is not known if the gesture was intentional. Two cars parked in front of the business were found completely charred.
No injuries are reported.
In the same area, patrol officers from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) subsequently spotted an 18-year-old young man. The agents arrested him following “suspicious behavior”, according to our sources.
A failed fire attempt had occurred near this business on May 9, according to our information. It is not known, however, if the event of two days ago is connected to that of today.
The 18-year-old man arrested overnight from Wednesday to Thursday will be met by investigators in connection with the fire, since traces of accelerant were located on the scene.
Their analysis will also determine if a vehicle was used to damage the building.