Hammer-wielding man killed during police intervention in downtown Montreal

MONTREAL – Quebec provincial police are investigating after Montreal police shot and killed a hammer-wielding man in the downtown area.

The incident involving the man in his early 40s occurred not far from Montreal’s bus terminal, just before 11 a.m.

Several 911 calls came in around that time about a man threatening others.

Before the case was turned over to provincial police, Montreal police said their officers located the man, who was still holding the blunt object in his hand when they arrived.

Montreal police said he refused to surrender and police opened fire when the man allegedly tried to strike an officer.

He died later in hospital.

Quebec provincial police took over the investigation from their Montreal counterparts later in the day.

They confirmed the man had a hammer in his possession. A spokeswoman says seven Montreal police officers were also taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Sgt. Martine Asselin says she can’t confirm a report that a taser was requested on site but never made it to scene.

The provincial force is hoping to view surveillance tapes from the area that might have captured what transpired.

It is customary in Quebec for another police force to investigate when a suspect has been injured or killed during a police intervention.