Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Getty)
A man who tried to hit two Canadian soldiers with his car was chased down and shot by police in Canada. The drama unfolded in the town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 25 miles from Montreal. The Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was later asked about a “possible terror attack” during a parliamentary meeting.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Suspect Is Accused of Trying to Hit 3 People in His Car
The Montreal Gazette reports that three people were hit by a suspect’s car close to a mall. The man sped off but was pursued by police. Two of those hit were soldiers in the Canadian army. The attack happened just before 12:00 p.m. local time.
2. Police Shot the Suspect Dead After He Allegedly Ran at Them With a Knife
Second crime scene in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu; suspect vehicle is overturned in ditch #cbcmtl http://t.co/9SpCBoF3e8
When police eventually ran the man off the road, he emerged from his car and charged at them with a knife. Cops opened fire on him, shooting him a total of seven times. The suspect, a 25-year-old man, who was known to police, died later in hospital, reports Global News Canada. The chase ended about two miles from where the suspect hit the soldiers with his car.
The suspect is from Saint-Jean-d’Iberville, according to CTV News.
3. Prime Minister Stephen Harper Said He’s Aware of the Incident
(Getty)
During a parliamentary session, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was asked by Conservative politician Randy Hoback if he had heard about “unconfirmed reports of a possible terror attack.” Harper said he had heard about the reports and said they were “troubling.” Harper added, “We’re closely monitoring the situation and we’ll make available all of the resources of the federal government.”
Surete du Quebec Lt. Guy Lapointe told the media:
All I can say is that the theory that this was a deliberate act is part of the things we’ll be looking at but it’s very early right now to hypothesize or speculate as to what the intentions were… at this point, we’re just beginning our investigation.
4. One of the Canadian Soldiers Is in Critical Condition
The soldiers were hit at this strip mall. (Google Street View)
CBC reports that all of those who were hit by the suspect’s car are in hospital, one of those is in critical condition. When asked about the severely injured soldier’s condition, Lapointe said ominously, “we fear for his life.”
5. Montreal Has a Long-History of Terrorist Incidents
Union Station in Toronto was a terrorist target in 2013. (Getty)
Most recently, Chiheb Esseghaier of Montreal, was charged along with Raed Jaser of Toronto, of plotting to detonate a bomb on a train between Toronto and New York. Both Esseghaier and Jaser say they were arrested because of their appearance.