Arson Squad Probes Torching of 13 Vehicles at Saint-Laurent Industrial Lot in Suspected Organized Crime Attack – May 22, 2026

Arson Squad Probes Torching of 13 Vehicles at Saint-Laurent Industrial Lot

By: Gangland Files

MONTREAL, QC — May 22, 2026

Montreal police’s arson squad is investigating after 13 vehicles were set ablaze at a used car lot in the borough of Saint-Laurent in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 14, 2026, in what investigators suspect was a deliberate attack using incendiary devices.

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. in a parking lot in the western industrial area of Saint-Laurent, near the intersection of Saint-François and Donahue streets. When firefighters arrived, three trucks were fully ablaze and 10 additional vehicles showed signs of fire damage. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview

Vehicles Torched

Trucks Fully Ablaze

Injuries Reported

1:30

AM Fire Breakout

Investigative Findings

The SPVM arson squad was called in after investigators found evidence of incendiary devices at the scene, suggesting the fire was deliberately set. As of the following morning, no arrests had been made.

Pattern of Violence

The incident marks at least the third time in four years that vehicles at a commercial lot in Saint-Laurent have been targeted by arson, prompting longstanding concern among local residents and business owners about recurring organized crime activity in the area.

Location Details

Borough: Saint-Laurent, Montreal
Area: Western industrial zone
Address: Near Saint-François and Donahue streets
Facility: Used car lot

Organized Crime Connection

Investigators and community experts have long attributed such attacks in Saint-Laurent’s industrial zones to organized crime networks, citing motives including drug trafficking disputes, extortion campaigns, intimidation of business owners, and gang rivalries.

— Community Expert Analysis

Past similar incidents in the borough have been linked to criminal organizations with ties to the broader Montreal underworld. The SPVM has not confirmed a specific organized crime motive in the current investigation and says the inquiry is ongoing.

Suspected Motives

Drug Trafficking Disputes: Settling scores with rival operations
Extortion Campaigns: Intimidating business owners
Gang Rivalries: Sending messages to competitors
Business Intimidation: Coercing compliance with criminal demands

Authorities are appealing for anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area to come forward.

Gangland Files