13 teens arrested after massive brawl at Quartier Dix30

Thirteen minors have been arrested in connection with what police are calling “violent incidents” at the Quartier Dix30 in Brossard, on Montreal’s South Shore.

In a video shared by Longueuil police (SPAL) on Wednesday, several teenagers are seen targeting one individual, hitting him with fists, kicks, and at least one baton.

Later on, another video shows an all-out affray between at least a dozen young people.

“These aren’t street gangs,” explained Gino Iannone, an inspector with Longueuil police. “They’re conflicts between young people that started in school and carried over outside of school.”

Police say the altercation took place at the Dix30 outdoor shopping centre at 5:30 p.m. on April 18.

“During this incident, an armed assault involving several youths occurred near the overpass on du Quartier Boulevard, under particularly disturbing circumstances that endangered the safety of those present,” the force said.

As a result of the fight, a 15-year-old was transported to hospital.

“He suffered serious injuries and will be scarred for the rest of his life as a result of that incident,” said Iannone.

Following a major investigation that involved 12 searches in the cities of Longueuil, Saint-Philippe-de-La Prairie and Candiac, police confirmed that 13 boys had been arrested, including four 15-year-olds and nine 16-year-olds.

“Those arrested could face charges including armed assault, assault and aiding and abetting,” the SPAL states.

The force notes that “aiding and abetting” refers to the people who filmed and goaded the incident without calling for help.

“You can hear young people around them laughing, filming. It’s very concerning,” said Iannone. “You don’t have to actively participate in a criminal act. Simply being present, doing nothing, failing to report it, encouraging the behaviour and not stepping back to call emergency services can constitute a criminal act.”

Police continue, “The SPAL wishes to firmly reiterate that no form of violence will be tolerated within its jurisdiction... The message is clear: acts of violence committed within the Longueuil metropolitan area will be met with rigorous intervention and appropriate legal action.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Info-Azimut hotline at 450-646-8500.