MONTREAL - Two people were injured and several police officers were treated for shock after a bizarre altercation Wednesday morning in Cote des Neiges.
Around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning a man called 9-1-1 saying he felt threatened by another driver.
Montreal police rushed to the area, on Decarie Blvd. near Jean Talon Blvd., and found one man sitting by himself in a car.
When officers approached the man on foot, the 47-year-old driver sped toward them, striking one officer with the vehicle.
At least one officer pulled out his firearm and shot the man, who was struck in the upper body.
"What we're able to establish is that it would appear that a suspect vehicle entered into collision with a Montreal police vehicle," said Daniel Thibaudeau of the Surete du Quebec. "Afterwards, there were shots that were fired."
The driver was taken to hospital and treated for his injuries. His life is not in danger, while the officer who was struck has what are described as minor leg injuries. Three other officers on the scene were treated for shock.
As in all cases involving shots fired by a Montreal police officer, the Surete du Quebec has taken over the investigation, but in order to examine the scene police were forced to bring traffic along the heavily-travelled Decarie Blvd. to a halt until 2 p.m.
"We're very aware that this is causing an inconvenience for many motorists," Thibaudeau said.
Drivers and pedestrians were not allowed on Decarie Blvd. between Jean Talon and Pare Blvds., and Namur metro was closed until 11 a.m.
