On Wednesday morning, a police pursuit in Coteau-du-Lac, Montérégie, ended in tragedy when two individuals lost their lives after their vehicle plunged into the Delisle River. The incident involved officers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and has sparked an investigation by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI).
Details of the Incident
The BEI confirmed they received the case at 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Preliminary reports suggest that at approximately 1:11 a.m., a SQ patrol unit spotted a vehicle whose owner was under a curfew and was in breach of conditions. The driver attempted to evade arrest, leading to a chase.
Just two minutes later, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and land in the Delisle River, located about 60 kilometers southwest of Montreal. Rescuers retrieved the two occupants from the water, but they suffered severe injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Victims of the Incident
- The driver, reportedly 18-year-old Mohammed Yassin Cherfaoui from Laval, has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
- The identity of the second occupant remains undisclosed.
Mohammed Yassin Cherfaoui had previously pleaded not guilty to three charges, including assault, threats, and weapon possession. He had been released under conditions on May 11 and was scheduled to stand trial on August 13.
Ongoing Investigation
The BEI has stated that its investigation is ongoing in collaboration with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal. The authorities have redirected all inquiries regarding the incident to the BEI.
As this case develops, further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the police chase are expected to emerge. El-Balad will provide updates as more information becomes available.
