Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau hoped to send a clear message against armed violence with the arrest of four individuals in connection to three incidents involving firearms on its territory.

While the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau noted violent incidents with firearms were “relatively rare and isolated,” the incidents occurred within days of each other during the second last week of June. From the investigation, police concluded that the three events were targeted.

The three days of incidents began shortly after 2:30 am on June 19 when officers received a call about an individual at the Gatineau Hospital whose injuries suggested they were a victim of an assault with a firearm. The investigation led the police to a residence located on rue du Progrès in the Masson-Angers sector where a 29-year-old man, known to the department, was arrested the following evening. The man appeared before the Court of Québec on June 21 to face 10 charges.

In the early hours of June 20, the police were deployed to the northern portion of Lorrain to investigate possible gunshots. At the scene, officers noted that a residence experienced damage that could have been caused by firearm projectiles. Two people were in the residence during the incident, but no one was harmed.

Later that evening, possible gunshots were heard by residents on rue du Ravin-Bleu. Upon arrival, the police noticed a residence had been targeted by firearm projectiles. No injuries were reported related to the incident. Officers in the area were quickly able to locate three suspects in a travelling vehicle and arrested them on Highway 50, near boulevard Maloney Ouest. All known to the department, the suspects, 18, 19, and 40 years of age also appeared at the courthouse on June 21 to face various charges.

The investigations into these events continue and further arrests may be made. The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau encouraged citizens with information about the presence of firearms to contact its information line at 819 243-4636, ext. 5. All information received will be treated confidentially.

Photo caption: The Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau stresses it would deploy all necessary means to arrest anyone involved in armed violence in its territory.

Photo credit: Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau Facebook