Quebec provincial police have indicated that a burning car discovered in Montreal’s east end early Thursday morning is likely connected to a bold daytime shooting at a Starbucks in Laval, Quebec. The incident resulted in the death of a prominent organized crime figure and injuries to two others. The Montreal police found the vehicle ablaze around 3 a.m. in the Rivière-des-Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles borough, near the Clément-Ader and Joliot Curie avenues intersection.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows two suspects arriving at the location shortly before the shooting and fleeing in a grey sedan. It remains unclear if the burnt car in Montreal matches the one seen in the footage. A command post has been established near the shooting scene.
Following a 911 call on Wednesday morning, Laval police responded to the Starbucks within a busy strip mall where the shooting occurred. The deceased individual has been identified as Charalambos Theologou, also known as Bobby the Greek, with the two injured individuals being members of his gang, the Chomedey Greeks.
Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to locate potential suspects in the fatal shooting. Laval police and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) have set up a command post near the 100th Avenue and Highway 440 service road intersection. In an interview with Radio-Canada, Laval’s police chief, Pierre Brochet, emphasized the organized crime connection to the incident, stating that the investigation is advancing with specialized teams focusing on strategic areas.
Social workers are expected to offer psychological support to mall staff following the traumatic event. Brochet highlighted the concerning trend of increased violence in organized crime, leading to a blatant disregard for human life. Provincial Minister Christopher Skeete expressed vigilance over the situation, emphasizing the need to address street gang activities and prevent further violence.
