A 49-year-old man was arrested Monday afternoon in Longueuil for allegedly organizing a gathering in what is described as an “underground gym” by police on Montreal’s south shore.
Longueil police officers busted the gathering of around 60 people around 12:30 p.m. in the Saint-Hubert borough, where COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.
Police spokesperson Mélanie Mercille said police had barricaded the underground gymnasium located on Kimber Boulevard last week.
The suspect allegedly removed the barriers to enter the building, according to police.
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“We therefore proceeded to arrest the individual for obstruction and mischief,” Mercille said, adding that the man remains in custody.
He is being questioned by investigators.
Police say the suspect, who lives in Saint-Hubert, reportedly invited people online to the location. About 60 people were there when the police arrived, but most attendees left.
The City of Longueuil is under the province’s pandemic red zone designation, which prohibits gyms from operating with few exceptions for indoor activities.
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