Three arrested after attempted arson at Montreal downtown restaurant

An SPVM police vehicle is seen in Old Montreal on Dec. 15, 2025. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)

Posted December 22, 2025 3:30 pm.

Last Updated December 22, 2025 3:31 pm.

Montreal police (SPVM) have arrested three people in connection with an attempted arson targeting a downtown restaurant.

Montreal police says officers arrested two men, aged 22 and 24, along with a 15-year-old boy early Dec. 22 in the Ville-Marie borough. Police allege the suspects were in possession of incendiary materials and intended to carry out two arson attacks at a licensed establishment on Crescent Street.

According to the SPVM, a 911 call came in around 3:30 a.m. reporting two individuals loitering near the business with a can of gasoline. Officers intervened and made arrests. About an hour later, a third suspect was spotted in a nearby alley carrying a gasoline can and was also taken into custody.

All three suspects were released on a promise to appear in court, with conditions.

Police are urging business owners who have received threats not to comply and to contact the SPVM so officers can assess the situation and provide assistance.

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