Montreal family, ensnared by gunfire, files lawsuit against SPVM
Montreal Police and City Sued for Negligence Following 2024 Shootout
The Abdallah family from Dollard-des-Ormeaux has filed a lawsuit against the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), seeking nearly $6.5 million in damages. The lawsuit stems from an armed intervention by the SPVM on August 4, 2024, that left Houssam Abdallah, the family's father, and his son Abdel-Rahman severely injured.
The incident began when a 26-year-old suspect allegedly attempted to steal the Abdallah family's vehicle and exchanged gunfire with police in front of their home. Houssam Abdallah, in an attempt to protect his children, interposed himself as a human shield and was hit by six projectiles. Abdel-Rahman, on the other hand, was hit by a projectile near the spinal column during the exchange of fire.
The family alleges that the police use of force was excessive given the presence of civilians and the residential proximity. They claim that the officers acted negligently and recklessly, resulting in serious physical injuries and lasting mental trauma. The family members were left on the ground without medical care for at least an hour before being handcuffed, arrested, and detained, despite their injuries.
The family's lawyer, Virginie Dufresne-Lemire, emphasized that the family’s life has been completely changed by the incident. The claim includes damages for the loss of income due to injuries and trauma, as well as punitive damages. It also seeks compensation for the psychological prejudice caused to those who witnessed the violent incident.
An investigation by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes was conducted, and in June 2025 it was announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the police officers involved. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions concluded that there were no grounds to lay charges against the SPVM agents. However, the family is pursuing the case as a civil negligence case against the SPVM and the City.
The family is seeking damages to compensate for the loss of income of family members who were too injured or traumatized to work. They are also seeking compensation for the psychological trauma experienced by witnesses who feared for their loved ones' lives. The claim includes punitive damages, reflecting the family's belief that the incident could have been avoided with proper police procedures.
The Abdallah family was returning from camping when they saw the police pursuing the suspect. Under threat, Houssam Abdallah tried to take refuge in his home with the keys to the vehicle, but the suspect fired shots. The family's other members were severely traumatized by the events.
The lawsuit aims to hold the SPVM and the City accountable for the immediate physical harm caused by the police operation and the longer-term consequences suffered by the family. The family hopes that this lawsuit will lead to changes in police procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
[1] CBC News. (2025, June 1). Montreal family sues police, city over 2024 shootout that left father, son injured. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-family-sues-police-city-shootout-1.6114467
[2] Global News. (2024, August 5). Montreal police involved in shooting in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8518382/montreal-police-shooting-dollard-des-ormeaux/
[3] Montreal Gazette. (2025, June 1). Montreal police, city not to face criminal charges in 2024 shooting that left father, son injured. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-police-city-not-to-face-criminal-charges-in-2024-shooting-that-left-father-son-injured
[4] CTV News. (2025, June 1). Montreal police, city not to face criminal charges in 2024 shooting that left father, son injured. Retrieved from https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-police-city-not-to-face-criminal-charges-in-2024-shooting-that-left-father-son-injured-1.6241973
[5] La Presse. (2025, June 1). La famille Abdallah poursuit la police et la Ville de Montréal pour négligence après une fusillade de 2024 qui a blessé le père et le fils. Retrieved from https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/monde/202506/01/01-5264204-la-famille-abdallah-poursuit-la-police-et-la-ville-de-montreal-pour-neglect-apres-une-fusillade-de-2024-qui-a-blesse-le-pere-et-le-fils.php
The Abdallah family's lawsuit against the Montreal Police Service and the City of Montreal highlights the need for accountability in cases of police negligence and excessive use of force. This lawsuit, a part of the 'general-news' and 'crime-and-justice' categories, follows the August 2024 shootout that left father Houssam Abdallah and son Abdel-Rahman severely injured. The family's pursuit of the case in 'politics', seeking damages for physical injuries, mental trauma, and lost income, underscores their belief that the incident could have been avoided with proper police procedures, ensuring justice and preventing future similar incidents.
