Arrested after random attack on woman in Montreal metro

Montreal police have made an arrest in connection with another random physical attack on transit users on the metro system.

Police arrested a 35-year-old woman on Friday morning and is expected to appear in court on charges of assault causing bodily harm after she was attacked on April 4.

The victim is the daughter of La Presse columnist Nathalie Collard, who wrote on social media that her daughter was “punched in the face” while waiting for the metro at the Lionel-Groulks station and “there were no guards in sight.”

The arrest comes amid growing concerns over security on the metro network, particularly over random attacks by strangers.

On April 3, a group of teenagers stabbed a 35-year-old vagrant at the entrance of Lionel-Groulks station. The next day, the police arrested four teenagers.

In response to security concerns, the Societe de Transport de Montreal (STM) announced a new plan that would see special constables and other staff in teams of four monitoring 10 metro stations identified as the most problematic.

“We're seeing an increase in reports. We're seeing an increase in vulnerable clients, addiction issues, mental health. We're concerned about the integrity of our clients,” STM President Eric Alan Caldwell said when the new plan was announced. announced.

The plan came into effect last Saturday and will run until the end of April, although the STM said it could be extended if necessary.

Montreal police are asking anyone who witnesses the crime to call 911 or use the emergency phones in subway cars and stations. Confidential reports can be made by calling 514-393-1133.