Police say Montreal building targeted by suspected arson for third time

Montreal police are investigating what they believe to be the third arson attempt at a commercial building in less than three weeks, this time causing significant damage that may render the entire three-floor structure irreparable. The latest incident occurred around 4:10 a.m. on Jean-Talon Street near 22nd Avenue in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough. Police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said firefighters were called to control a fire that had spread inside, leading to evacuations from the second and third floors. After bringing the blaze under control, traces of an accelerant were found, suggesting arson. The building was previously targeted on August 30 in an attempted arson and again the next day when someone smashed a window and threw what appeared to be an incendiary device inside. No arrests have been made for any of these incidents, which remain under investigation.