STM special constable charged after pepper-spray incident at Berri-UQAM

Metro sign at Berri-UQAM metro station on Nov. 7, 2024. (Alyssia Rubertucci, CityNews)

By News Staff

Posted February 26, 2026 8:51 am.

Last Updated February 26, 2026 12:48 pm.

A special constable with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is facing criminal charges after allegedly pepper-spraying a commuter inside the Berri–UQAM station metro station.

Mikaël Lahaie, 39, was charged Thursday with assault with a weapon and simple assault from the January 13, 2025, incident.

Prosecutors allege Lahaie used cayenne pepper gel on the victim. Details about what led to the altercation have not been made public, and authorities have not indicated that the person suffered serious injuries.

The case was investigated by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), in connection with the BEI’s mandate for all allegations of a criminal nature against police officers in all cases where the victim, the complainant, is a member of the First Nations or Inuit.

STM special constables have held peace officer status since 2021 and are subject to the Police Act.

Lahaie’s next court appearance is set for May 4.

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