What happened in Laval
A daytime shooting in Laval, Quebec, left a prominent gang leader dead and two other people gravely injured, according to Radio-Canada. The incident occurred Wednesday morning in a commercial area near a coffee shop adjacent to Highway 440 and 100th Avenue. police were dispatched to the scene at about 10:30 a.m., initiating what authorities described as a major investigation into organized crime.
Who was involved and what is known
Radio-Canada identified the deceased as Charalambos Theologou, a gang leader known as “Bobby the Greek” and head of the Greek gang active in Chomedey. While the exact motive remains under investigation, authorities have stressed that the violence targets criminal networks rather than innocent bystanders. The immediate concern, however, is the safety of the surrounding community, as shots were fired in a busy daytime environment.
Victims and current status
Alongside the fatal shooting, two other people sustained serious injuries. Police have not disclosed identities, and at the time of reporting, no suspect had been arrested and no weapon was found at the scene. The injuries to the two surviving victims were described as critical, underscoring the severity of the incident and the ongoing urgency of the investigation.
Investigative leadership and process
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) has assumed the investigation because of the involvement of organized crime, with the Laval Police Service (SPL) continuing to coordinate at the local level. A wide security perimeter was established in the commercial sector, and investigators, assisted by canine units, combed the area for clues and potential witnesses. Dozens of individuals who may have seen what happened were questioned as part of the early investigations.
Official responses and public safety messages
Laurent Arsenault, spokesperson for the SPL, reassured the public that the area was now secure but urged residents and visitors to avoid the vicinity to allow investigators to operate freely. In Quebec City, Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière condemned the daytime violence and stressed the Government’s ongoing focus on combating organized crime. “As a father, it’s troubling to hear that an event like this can unfold at 10:30 in the morning inside a commercial area,” he said, adding that authorities have mobilized extensive police resources to address street gang activity. Laval’s regional minister, Christopher Skeete, also voiced concern, noting that the rise of street gangs and related violence is inappropriate and warrants heightened attention and action.
What happens next
A briefing by the SQ occurred in the early afternoon, with further updates expected from the SPL and the Laval city administration later in the day. As the investigation progresses, authorities will likely review surveillance footage, canvass more witnesses, and pursue any leads linking the incident to broader criminal networks. This case marks another reminder of the ongoing public safety challenges associated with gang activity in the region, and officials have pledged to keep the public informed as new information becomes available.
Sources include statements from the SPL and comments reported by Radio-Canada and provincial officials. This article will be updated as more details are confirmed.
