Montreal restaurant targeted in suspected arson attacks two days in a row
Posted August 31, 2026 6:59 am.
A Montreal restaurant was targeted in two suspected arson incidents in the span of two days, with citizens helping extinguish a fire at the business early Monday morning.
The latest incident happened around 5:10 a.m. Monday at a business on Jean-Talon Street near 22nd Avenue in Montreal’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough.
According to Montreal police media relations officer Caroline Chèvrefils, police received a 911 call about a suspect who allegedly set fire to the business.
When officers arrived, several citizens were already extinguishing the fire inside the restaurant.
According to preliminary information, the suspect reportedly managed to enter the restaurant and set a fire before fleeing the scene.
Police said no incendiary material was found at the scene Monday. Damage to the building was minor.
A second incident in two days
The incident came one day after the same restaurant was targeted in a similar incident.
At around 3 a.m. Sunday, police received a 911 call about a suspect who allegedly intended to set fire to the business.
According to preliminary information, the suspect smashed a window and attempted to start a fire inside the restaurant.
The suspect fled after being caught in the act by a citizen.
When police arrived, there was no fire, but incendiary material was found at the scene. Damage to the building was minor.
Police investigating
Both investigations have been transferred to the Montreal police arson unit.
Police have spoken with several witnesses and are expected to examine the scenes and look for surveillance footage that could help establish what happened and identify the person responsible.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
