Several cyclists traveling on the Plateau Mont-Royal have been hit by projectiles from compressed air guns in recent weeks, events that are worrying the neighborhood.
Posted at 10:47 a.m.
“We are aware of these events, which are of great concern to us. This is why a team of investigators is actively working to clarify the situation, in collaboration with patrol officers from the neighborhood police station (PDQ) 38. We are sparing no effort or the means used to identify the perpetrator(s) of these events. as quickly as possible,” said Anik de Repentigny, of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), in response to our questions about the situation.
The incidents occurred in front of Portugal Park, at the corner of Marie-Anne and Saint-Dominique streets.
According to a person close to the place, who refused to reveal his identity, at least six cyclists have received projectiles, probably lead, since the beginning of July.
“We believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. There was door-to-door to raise awareness among the local population and ask for their assistance. We invite anyone who may have information that could help the investigation progress to contact 911, PDQ 38 or, anonymously and confidentially, Info-Crime Montreal at 514 393-1133 or online,” added Ms.me de Repentigny, who refused to reveal any other details about the case so as not to harm the ongoing investigation.
“My friend was shot in the ribs while riding her bicycle around 10 p.m. about three weeks ago. The wound was bleeding, it left a good mark. She went to the police station and was told that she was the fifth person to whom this had happened, ”says Maya Bernier, who lives and works in the neighborhood.
The victim, however, refused to speak to the media.
Hassan K., who works at the convenience store on this street corner, also met a victim who was shot in the leg a few weeks ago.
“It’s very worrying,” he said. You’re walking or riding your bike and suddenly, boom!, you get shot. »
He saw the police intervene several times in front of his business. Law enforcement met with area residents to try to clear up the matter.
On one of the street corners stands an abandoned building with boarded up windows, which would sometimes serve as a refuge for squatters, according to the inhabitants of the area.
“To see direct attacks on someone who rides a bike, if that’s really it, there is something a little worrying,” laments the president and general manager of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault. “The bicycle remains only a means of transport and behind the handlebars, it is a human being. He’s our brother, our sister, a friend, in short, someone we can get to know. »
The organization says it is “glad to see” that the Montreal police are taking the case seriously, by soliciting other potential victims.
Mr. Rheault deplores that in recent years, even if it is a minority, “the hatred against cyclists has intensified a little”. “I’m not saying there are more, but on the occasions when you meet her, she is a little more intense. It looks like the pandemic has exacerbated things a bit, ”he explains to The Press.