Teen charged with extortion and explosives possession after alleged threat at Griffintown restaurant

Windows are shattered at the Palma restaurant in Griffintown after a shooting on July 12, 2024. (CTV News)

A teenage man was charged in Montreal with extortion and possession of explosives after an alleged bomb was left in a Griffintown restaurant.

Montreal police (SPVM) say the 18-year-old was arrested and charged after Palma restaurant on Peel Street was shot up on July 12 and then allegedly visited the next day.

“An unidentified individual entered the restaurant and spoke briefly to a member of staff. The suspect then turned back. Before disappearing, he left a box he was carrying near the restaurant’s front door,” the SPVM said in a news release. “The box contained a threatening handwritten note and an incendiary object.”

The ensuing investigation was led by the SPVM arson and explosives squad, with support from Laval police (SPL).

Police said he remains in custody and is due in court on Wednesday for a bail hearing.

The investigation is continuing and those with information are invited to call 911 or the SPVM’s info-crime line at 514-393-1133.

“The SPVM is taking this opportunity to remind merchants who have been the victims of threats not to give in to them,” the release reads.

“Contact your police service quickly to let us know about the situation. The SPVM teams, who have the necessary expertise, must be made aware of your situation to be able to help you.”