Cynthia Abraham
18-Year-Old Stabbed to Death on the Street
April 26 – Police are questioning four witnesses – two adults and two minors – in an attempt to determine what started the altercation that left an 18-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Ave. in the Ste-Rose district, allegedly as two groups crossed paths in a residential area.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim with stab wounds to his upper torso. He was transported to hospital and later died of his injuries.
So far, no charges have been laid.
Peaceful End to 12-Hour Stand-Off
April 26 – A 12-hour standoff between the police and a man barricaded in his home ended peacefully last Thursday.
The incident began at about 11 a.m. when the suspect entered a local store and began causing damage and behaving aggressively. He then returned to his dwelling and barricaded himself inside as police arrived.
Police were uncertain whether the suspect, who is known to police and suffers from psychiatric problems, was armed.
A nearby school, daycare, as well as several neighbouring businesses were evacuated during the standoff as a precaution.
Officers settled in to wait. Almost twelve hours later, at about 11:30 p.m., the suspect quietly surrendered himself to police and was placed in custody.
Pickpocket Swipes Wallet from Restaurant Customer
April 25 – Laval police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who allegedly stole a wallet from a restaurant customer at the Mega-Centre in Ste-Dorothée. The incident happened on March 29 at about 7 p.m.
The suspect and his accomplice entered the restaurant and sat themselves near the victim. They left the restaurant shortly after without ordering anything.
The victim eventually discovered that his wallet had been stolen from the pocket of his coat, which had been draped over the back of his chair.
Before the victim even noticed his wallet was missing, six purchases had been made on his credit card in Laval and Montreal.
Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 40s who stands about six feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. At the time of the theft he was wearing glasses, and sported a goatee beard. He was also wearing a black coat with a fur-lined hood and a black cap.
This incident is similar to a wave of pickpocketing thefts that occurred two years ago and led the Laval police to launch an awareness campaign warning diners to be vigilant.
Anyone with information on the suspect in this latest case is asked to contact Laval police at 450-662-INFO (4636) or 911, and mention file LVL 190330 042.
Newborn Abandoned in Shoebox, Teen Mom Arrested
April 24 – Laval police arrested an 18-year-old woman after it was discovered she had abandoned her newborn baby and left it in a shoebox on a neighbour’s balcony.
Police received a 911 call last Wednesday around noon from a woman who reported finding a baby girl in a box on her balcony.
Shortly after, police were alerted by hospital personnel of an 18-year-old woman seeking treatment after childbirth, but the baby was not with her.
Police suspect the young woman gave birth alone in an apartment then left it on her neighbour’s balcony. The baby may have spent nearly two hours outside with the temperature around seven degrees.
The woman was arrested, but investigators had to wait to question her because she was receiving medical treatment. She could face a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life.
The baby, who received medical attention and is doing well, is in the custody of Quebec youth protection.
Priest Arrested for Sexual Assault
April 24 – Several weeks after a priest was charged with sexual assault, Laval police are seeking more people who may have been abused.
Laval police arrested Father Henri Paradis on April 4 and he was subsequently charged with sexual assaulting an individual in 1988.
According to police, Paradis went to the victim’s home in 1988 to hear a confession, and then touched the victim in a sexual manner.
The complainant came forward many years later, and police believe Paradis may have other possible victims. People are encouraged to contact Laval police by calling 450-662-INFO (4636). Calls are treated confidentially.
Paradis was the founder of the Jourdain Catholic Charismatic Centre in Montreal North in 1976, which refers to a biblical belief in the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and more.
Paradis is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.
