The driver who struck nine people on Wednesday afternoon in Montreal North was charged with assault with a weapon, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and a hit-and-run on Thursday.
Montreal police said several 911 calls were made around 12:45 p.m. reporting a collision between a vehicle and several pedestrians.
The 38-year-old driver hit the first victim on Langelier Boulevard and Dijon Street and then struck the other eight victims on the sidewalk a few blocks down at the the intersection of Avenue Valade and Dijon Street, according to police.
The nine victims were between the ages of five months and 71 years old. The suspect continued driving and was stopped by police shortly after.
All of the victims were taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the car did not suffer any injuries but was taken to hospital for a mental health assessment, under police guard. Police say the driver seemed “confused” when he was arrested.
Police told Global News on Thursday that the man is being charged with armed assault because under the circumstances, his vehicle is being considered as a weapon.
The results of the 38-year-old man’s blood test are pending to see if he was driving while intoxicated. According to authorities, the suspect could face an additional charge of driving while intoxicated.