Montreal police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect and locating potential victims in a series of alleged sexual assaults on public transit. The incidents occurred over the past two months on the city's bus and metro systems, according to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).
Suspect description and incidents
The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and jeans. Police believe he targeted women on crowded buses and metro cars, groping them before fleeing the scene.
At least three incidents have been reported, but investigators suspect there may be more victims who have not come forward. The first known assault occurred on May 15, 2026, on a metro train at Berri-UQAM station, followed by incidents on June 10 and June 22 on buses in the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Rosemont areas.
Police appeal and safety measures
“We are urging anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed these incidents to contact us immediately,” said SPVM spokesperson Constable Sabrina Gauthier. “Sexual assault on public transit is unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of all riders.”
The SPVM has increased patrols on transit lines and is working with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) to review surveillance footage. The STM has also reminded passengers to report suspicious behavior via their security app or by speaking to a driver or station agent.
Community response
Local advocacy groups have condemned the assaults and called for better lighting and more security personnel on transit. “No one should feel unsafe taking the bus or metro,” said Marie-Claude Bélanger of the Montreal Women's Safety Network. “We need systemic changes to prevent these crimes.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the SPVM's sex crimes unit at 514-393-1133 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
