Tensions in Vieux-Longueuil: thanks to the vigilance of citizens, the police make eight arrests

Thanks to the vigilance of citizens, the Longueuil police managed to arrest eight suspects on Friday involved in two different events that occurred in a neighborhood that had already been under high tension for several days.

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The first commotion broke out a little after midnight, when a citizen called 911 to report the presence of a vehicle and four individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior, on private land on rue Antoinette-Robidoux.

Patrollers from the Longueuil Agglomeration Police Service (SPAL) were quickly able to intervene, thanks to increased surveillance of Vieux-Longueuil after two episodes of gunfire over the past week.

The young suspects were thus put out of harm’s way. They have since been detained and were to be met by investigators.

A firearm and magazine were discovered and seized from the vehicle involved in this incident.

An almost identical situation unfolded around 2 p.m. A resident became aware of the presence of a vehicle and four men, including one of minor age.

Their behavior would have suggested that a home invasion was in progress.

Alerted, the police intervened again on Louise and Antoinette-Robidoux streets, near the intersection of Chemin de Chambly, where they arrested the alleged criminals.

“Prohibited devices”, possibly for committing theft, were collected by the police.

At this time, it is too early to confirm whether these events are linked to the recent shooting episodes.

“It’s evolving,” said SPAL spokesperson François Boucher. It’s certain that it shakes the neighborhood and the residents of the area when we hear about gunshots and elements of violence like that.”