A man in psychological distress who allegedly deliberately set fire to his apartment provoked a major intervention by emergency services on Montcalm Street in Montreal late Monday afternoon.
Rescuers were dispatched to the scene to respond to a call concerning a “disorganized” man, possibly armed with a knife or a sharp object and who was trying to set fire to his home, said Jean-Pierre Brabant, public relations officer for the City of Montreal Police Service (SPVM).
The 35-year-old’s action led to the preventive evacuation of other residents of the building, the spokesperson informed.
“Everyone knew he was a dangerous case, except apparently the authorities,” said a resident of the area who witnessed the scene and who insisted on remaining anonymous.
The man was quickly subdued by police officers who were well aware of the situation and who deployed reinforcements to ensure that the intervention took place safely.
Large ladder and cushion
A fire truck’s ladder had to be used to make an approach to the man’s apartment window, which was showing black smoke.
The scene was captured by people who live not far from the scene of the intervention.
On the video obtained by TVA Nouvelles, it is possible to see the man who manages to escape through the window while the firefighters try to put out the fire.
As a safety measure, the rescuers deployed a cushion which ultimately served to cushion the individual’s fall.
The police jumped on the man once he was on the ground and managed to subdue him.
No injuries
Fortunately, the event caused no injuries. The individual was transported to a hospital where he will be evaluated for mental health issues.
The other residents of the building were able to return to their homes in the evening, once the intervention was completed.
An investigation will be launched to shed light on the situation.
See the impressive intervention in the video above.
– With the collaboration of Maxime Deland
