A dramatic police operation unfolded Thursday morning in the heart of Montreal, resulting in three police officers and a suspect being sent to the hospital. The incident, which involved a man armed with at least one knife, caused significant disruption near the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).
Chaos on Ste-Catherine and Berri
The situation began at approximately 7:45 a.m. on January 8, 2026. According to Montreal police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, patrolling officers first spotted the armed individual at the intersection of Ste-Catherine and Berri Streets. The man, described as being in his 20s and known to police, prompted an immediate and large-scale response.
Reinforcements rushed to the scene, leading to a tense pursuit. Officers attempted to subdue the suspect using multiple methods. Stun-gun blasts and rubber bullets were deployed, and at one point, a single gunshot was fired. Despite these efforts, the man was not immediately restrained.
A Dramatic Arrest and Collateral Damage
Brabant stated that police finally gained control of the suspect after successfully using a stun gun on him again. An amateur video obtained by the TVA network captured the intense moments, showing about a dozen officers cautiously following the man. The audio includes the sound of what are believed to be rubber bullets being fired, mixed with repeated commands for him to surrender.
The suspect was taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure to assess potential injuries. Police confirmed he would be questioned following his medical evaluation. In a separate but related turn of events, three Montreal police officers were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Their injuries occurred when two police cruisers collided while they were responding to the urgent call for backup.
Aftermath and Investigation
The streets surrounding UQAM, typically bustling with students and commuters, became the stage for this spectacular and chaotic intervention. The event highlights the unpredictable dangers police officers face during calls involving armed individuals.
The suspect remains in custody pending further investigation. The condition of the hospitalized officers is reported as stable. The Montreal police service will likely review the circumstances of the intervention and the vehicle collision as part of its standard procedures following such significant incidents.
