The Laval police department in a press release dated Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 6 p.m. informed the general public that, on August 30th, investigators from the Crimes Against Persons squad (Escouade des Crimes contre la personne) arrested Brandon Flores-Rodriguez, 26, in connection with extortion and death threats involving restaurant owners in Laval and Sainte-Thérèse.
The Service de police de Laval reiterated that no form of intimidation, harassment or violence is tolerated towards citizens, merchants and business owners located on its territory. The situation is taken seriously by the police authorities and following the reports obtained, the Service quickly deployed the necessary personnel to advance the investigation which, among other things, made it possible to carry out this arrest. In addition, elements of the investigation lead to believe that other people may have been victims and the investigators would like to contact them.
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The facts
During the summer, reports brought to the authorities brought to light a wave of violence that raged against restaurant owners in Laval and the North Shore, specifically in Sainte-Thérèse. The suspect reportedly presented himself to the victims demanding a sum of money in exchange for protective service. The owners who refused to comply with his requests received death threats from the suspect, who also threatened to burn down the buildings housing their businesses.
Brandon Flores-Rodriguez was immediately detained appeared in the Court of Quebec on September 2. He faced charges of extortion and death threats. Police won’t say which establishments received threats and add that currently, there appears to be no link to organized crime.
The police is asking anyone who has been a victim or who has information about these extortion and death threats can communicate confidentially on the Police Info Line at 450 662-INFO (4636) or call 911 and mention file LVL-220826086.
