Police Chase Suspect Steals Squad Car in Montreal, June 20

A 28-year-old man stole a Montreal police squad car Thursday evening and triggered a chase that stretched from midtown Montreal to South Shore Verchères. Fernando Figueroa Mendez faces multiple felony charges including dangerous driving, vehicle theft, and failing to stop for police. The incident raises questions about how suspects gain access to parked police vehicles during active investigations.

How the Theft Unfolded

Police responded around 8:45 p.m. to a hotel on Ste-Catherine Street near Papineau Avenue to locate a robbery suspect. The suspect evaded officers at the hotel and then accessed a Montreal police squad car parked at the scene. He drove off, triggering a pursuit that ended around 9:20 p.m. when he crashed the vehicle into a residential shed on Marie-Victorin Boulevard in Verchères.

Suspect’s Criminal Background

Figueroa Mendez, 28, of St-Hyacinthe, was formally charged Friday afternoon through a phone call made to Charles LeMoyne Hospital, where he remained under police watch. He has a prior criminal record. In 2016, he received a 34-month prison sentence after conviction on multiple counts of breaking and entering and armed robbery. He also faces pending charges for domestic violence assault in another Quebec courthouse.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Quebec Court Judge Sonia Mastro Matteo read the charges over the phone while the accused repeatedly interrupted her. Figueroa Mendez faced charges for dangerous driving, failing to stop during a police chase, stealing a police vehicle, and mischief. The Crown requested he remain detained over the weekend, and the judge agreed. Figueroa Mendez struggled to recall his lawyer’s name or contact information during the hearing.

Security Questions Raised

The theft highlights how suspects can access parked police vehicles during active operations. Similar incidents have occurred in other jurisdictions, with suspects gaining access to patrol cars and fleeing. Police departments continue to face challenges securing vehicles during investigations at public locations like hotels and streets.

Final Thoughts

Figueroa Mendez now faces serious felony charges with detention ordered pending trial. The incident underscores ongoing security vulnerabilities in police operations during active investigations in public spaces.

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