Montreal police SUV set on fire downtown near headquarters

A Montreal police (SPVM) car. (Daniel J. Rowe/CTV News)

A vehicle belonging to the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) was set on fire in downtown Montreal overnight from Saturday to Sunday.

The incident was reported to police around 12:30 a.m.

The SPVM SUV was parked on Saint-Urbain Street, near De Maisonneuve Boulevard West, close to police headquarters in the Ville-Marie borough.

“Incendiary material was found at the scene, suggesting a criminal arson,” said SPVM spokesperson Johany Charland.

According to initial reports, one or more suspects were seen setting the vehicle on fire and fleeing before police arrived.

The Montreal Fire Department quickly brought the fire under control.

The damage to the vehicle is quite extensive. The SUV was towed away for inspection and analysis.

The investigation has been transferred to the SPVM’s arson squad.

No arrests have been made yet.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 17, 2026.