The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is looking for victims of at least one suspect who had fun shooting lead and plastic projectiles at cyclists in Plateau-Mont-Royal.
“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. […] We are sparing no effort or the means used to identify the perpetrator(s) of these events as quickly as possible,” confirms Anik de Repentigny, of the SPVM.
According to a Facebook group of locals who are monitoring the situation closely, at least six cyclists have been victims of this unhealthy game which is rampant in Portugal Park. It is located at the corner of rue Marie-Anne and boulevard Saint-Laurent.
The first event of its kind would have taken place at the beginning of July.
“We believe there may be other victims, who have not yet come forward. There was door-to-door to educate the local population and ask for their assistance, ”says Ms. de Repentigny, who refuses to reveal more details because of the ongoing investigation.
Attacked at night
The Journal went there yesterday afternoon to discuss in particular with Assan K., an employee of the convenience store which is located on the edge of the Portugal park.
“A young woman came back here two weeks ago to tell us she had been shot by an air gun. She was on her bike and it happened after about 11 p.m. I saw that she had a big bubble on her ankle, ”he says behind his box.
The employee also mentions that SPVM police then visited him to warn him that suspects were firing plastic and lead bullets at cyclists in the area.
For his part, Alvaro Teixiera, a resident of the Plateau for 50 years, says there is no shortage of action in his neighborhood. “In the evening, there are all kinds of people here and I don’t come. People are partying. But during the day, it’s very calm, ”says Mr. Teixiera, sitting on a bench in the park in question.
Remember that air guns, which fire plastic and lead bullets, can cause real injuries. The strongest ones can break a tooth or seriously damage an eye, while the weakest only cause a pinch.
Very dangerous
The president and CEO of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault, does not mince words when he says that the situation is “worrying” and “very dangerous”.
“To target cyclists specifically is to forget that behind the handlebars there is a human, parents and friends, family, etc. […] It also concerns me to know that this means of transport is also being targeted. This kind of ball can easily cause you to lose your balance on your bike, create an accident with a car and seriously injure yourself”, mentions Mr. Rheault.
He recalls that these unfortunate events take place in one of the boroughs of the metropolis where there is the most bicycle travel.
