MONTREAL NORTH – A demonstration to denounce police brutality in Montreal North turned into a violent riot Wednesday night.
The event began peacefully, but erupted when some protesters split off from the main group and began targeting shops and vehicles.
READ MORE: Dany Villanueva among those arrested in Montreal North drug bust
Police said several cars were torched and the windows of a police station and a half-dozen stores were smashed.
The protest was organized following the death of Jean-Pierre Bony, 46.
He died after being shot by a plastic bullet fired by an officer as he tried to escape out a window during a police raid.
The raid was conducted on a Montreal North apartment believed to be used as headquarters for a drug ring.
Bony succumbed to his injuries later in hospital, reigniting the debate about justifiable police violence and investigating cop shootings.
READ MORE: Dany Villanueva out on bail after Montreal-area drug bust
The officer who shot him has not been identified.
There’s been no word of any arrests.
READ MORE: Inquest into death of Fredy Villanueva resumes after 2-year delay
Earlier in the evening, protesters gathered in the parking lot of the Henri Bourassa Arena to commemorate what would have been the 26th birthday of Fredy Villanueva, who was shot and killed by police in 2008.
When Villanueva died in 2008, it sparked a protest that turned into a full-scale riot with fires, overturned cars and looting.
“Fredy didn’t deserve to die,” family member Wendy Villanueva told Global News.
His brother, Dany Villanueva, was arrested at his home in Repentigny in connection with the Montreal North raid.
He faces several drug related charges and was released on $1,000 bail on Monday.
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