posters

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

A 23-year-old man was arrested by the SPVM as a suspect in the April 27 vandalism of posters advertising the 11 a.m. May 14 Israel rally that will take place at Place du Canada.

The individual, suspected of mischief, was released pending further investigation. The vandalism took place about 4 p.m. at Quartier Cavendish in Côte St. Luc, SPVM spokesman Jean-Pierre Brabant told The Suburban. A 911 call was received at that time.

“A man was damaging some posters and some were taken off where they were [posted],” he added. “From there, we had information of a potential suspect fleeing the scene, so officers were able to intercept him. He is considered a suspect. He was released, but is still under investigation. We need to get some surveillance video from some stores that are in the parking lot. We need some proof of image, and from there, there could be a criminal charge of mischief towards that man.”

Asked if the suspect was wearing a keffiyah, a common sight at anti-Israel protests and viewed as a symbol of Palestinian resistance, Brabant said the police report does not mention that.

“We met with some witnesses and we had a good description of the person, and it helped the police officer to intercept him when he was getting away from the scene,” he added. “We’ll see if a charge can be brought against him.”

Brabant declined to provide The Suburban with the description of the individual provided to police at this point, saying the case could go to trial. n