Montreal police say they seized a ‘veritable arsenal’ of no less than 17 firearms from a man accused of harassing and threatening an ex-spouse, encouraging all victims to seek help from authorities .
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“There is in particular at the SPVM a module for specialized investigations in domestic violence which places the victim at the heart of the interventions in order to improve the accompaniment of this one through the criminal justice system”, affirmed the police force. in a press release announcing the arrest of Sébastien Lapointe-Dion.
Lapointe-Dion, 38, is a resident of Saint-Marthe-sur-le-Lac who allegedly attacked his ex-spouse who had just left him to find refuge with a loved one in Montreal. A complaint was filed with the police, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
The latter appeared by videoconference on Monday at the Montreal courthouse, where he was accused of harassment and threats. Of note, the Crown laid the charges summarily, which means that the alleged crimes are considered less serious. At worst, he risks a fine or a short stay in prison.
Legal weapons says his father
He is also charged with possession of prohibited weapons, namely brass knuckles and nunchucks.
No charges have been filed in connection with the arsenal found at Lapointe-Dion. This comes as no surprise to his father, who says they are all legal guns.
“They are all registered, he has all his permits,” said Richard Lapointe to the Journal, explaining that his son practices hunting.
Mr. Lapointe also wanted to reassure people, in connection with a first press release from the police which spoke of “two machine guns and a grenade”.
“They look like assault rifles, but they’re modified for hunting,” he said. They are semi-automatic, with a maximum of 5 shots. The pomegranate is a fake, he bought it at a flea market.
The new version of the police statement has also removed these elements, to speak of 17 firearms.
“I understand that the police did not take a chance, however commented Mr. Lapointe. Being in their shoes, I probably would have done the same.”
His son Lapointe-Dion was finally released on conditions. He will return to court in the coming months for further proceedings.
