Villeray business the target of suspected arson: SPVM
Posted May 27, 2023 11:56 am.
Last Updated May 27, 2023 12:37 pm.
A Montreal business was the target of suspected arson Saturday morning.
Police say they received a call about smoke coming from the business on Saint-Denis Street near Crémazie – in Villeray – around 3:20 a.m.
“When police arrived on the scene, firefighters were in the process of bringing the fire under control,” SPVM spokesperson Caroline Chèvrefils said.
“According to preliminary information, a window and a glass door of the business were smashed.”
Chèvrefils says an incendiary device was found at the scene.
No one was injured as the business was closed at the time.
There have been no arrests. The SPVM arson squad is investigating.
“The scene has been protected for investigators who will travel to the scene during the day to analyze the scene and try to understand the exact circumstances of this event,” said Chèvrefils.
“Checks will be made at nearby buildings to see if their surveillance cameras could have captured images of the suspect(s).
This is the latest in a series of arson attacks targeting businesses in the city.
The SPVM claims it’s noted an increase in arson this year, with 193 cases and 30 arrests between January and April, compared to 120 cases and 20 arrests during the same period a year ago.
—This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French and translated by CityNews
