A catering business in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is cleaning up Saturday after an Econoline-style van crashed into its storefront, causing extensive damage.
Police said the store, located on Grosbois Street, near Taillon Street, was heavily damaged after a van backed up into the storefront at around 2 a.m. — before fleeing west on Grosbois.
Eleazar Hernandez, whose brother owns and operates R and Y Chef Traiteur, expressed anger, frustration and also sadness over the night’s events.
“How people can destroy a business like this?” he asked. “Five years constructing this business, then in two or three minutes, the business is gone.”
Hernandez said he thinks the suspect or suspects were just after some quick cash, but added they should get with the times.
“We’re in 2017 — we’re not in the ’80s anymore. Business, it’s credit cards and debit — there’s no more money inside the business,” he said. “They didn’t find the money, so they just run away.”
Montreal police (SPVM) corroborated Hernandez’s statement.
“After analysis of the forensics unit, some elements show that one or several suspects made a break-and-enter,” SPVM spokesperson Caroline Chèvrefils said, specifying that nothing was stolen from the store.
Chèvrefils told Global News the case is being investigated as a hit-and-run and a break-and-enter.
No arrests have been made and police are still searching for the vehicle involved in the collision.
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As for Hernandez, he’s hoping the business will be up and running as early as Saturday evening.
“You know what? We’re going to clean up and even tonight or tomorrow morning, we’re coming back in business,” he said. “This is not going to stop us.”
Even through trying times, Hernandez said customers were top of mind.
“Clients are our first priority. We didn’t sleep but we have business to give to clients and we have to respect our delays.”