The driver of a snow plow is recovering in hospital after he was shot in Verdun on Wednesday afternoon.

Montreal police said it appears to be a drive-by shooting – a car pulled up alongside the plow on Gordon St. south of Bannantyne Ave. around 4:30 p.m.

Local resident Vallerie King didn’t hear the gunshot itself, but believes she heard what happened next.

“I heard metal hitting metal. I don't know if it was because the tractor had hit another vehicle... when we looked out and went on the balcony I saw the position of the tractor,” she said.

The 46-year-old shooting victim was rushed to hospital after being struck by at least one bullet and he is expected to survive. The severity of his injuries is not known.

"It seems that at least of the occupants fired toward this man. The victim was hit at least once in the upper body," said Const. Daniel Lacoursiere. "After the shooting the suspect car fled the scene."

The victim is known to police; reports say he may be connected to the Hells Angels.

Police would not confirm those reports and say they want to speak to the victim in hospital and witnesses to determine a motive for the attack.

“The victim has not yet met with investigators so that's something that's going to be looked at,” said Lacoursiere

Police said the driver was working for a private company, not for the borough of Verdun or the city of Montreal.

Residents couldn’t believe what happened.

“I'm really in shock and I hope the man's going to be okay,” said King. “I'm glad there were no children around coming home from school. The younger ones get off the bus here around three-something so, it was before that time. But around four-something there might have been some high school kids and I'm so glad there weren't.”

Borough Mayor Francois Parenteau visited the scene to reassure citizens and police.

He wanted to make sure it was an isolated incident.

"I could understand it's not easy for the neighbours around here. It's a little bit stressed situation but I just want to be sure of what happened exactly," said Parenteau.

He said that neither the victim nor the Sasquatch snow clearing company has any connection to the borough.