A St. Henri resident is calling for more police patrols along the Lachine Canal after two people tried to mug him.
Joshua Harley was walking home from work Tuesday when he was approached by two men.
"The one guy said to give him everything I had in my pocket, and the other guy stepped forward," said Harley.
When one of them stepped closer to him, he lashed out.
The martial arts instructor and Mixed Martial Arts fighter grabbed one man and knocked him to the ground, prompting the other man to flee.
"I have a black belt in karate, I've done Muy Thai for 17-18 years, I've fought professionally in Muy Thai and mixed martial arts so I've been around the block," he said.
Harley then called police and explained what happened.
It's not an approach Harley recommends to everyone, but as he pointed out, he specifically trains to fight.
Eight months ago, following a rash of attacks in the neighbourhood, including an assault on a 22-year-old, Harley began offering self-defence courses at his gym, Tritton Performance/Harley Muay Thai.
Harley said it would be better to improve lighting around the canal, and for police to increase their foot patrols in the region.
But police say walking on the street is a safer option.
"If you can walk on the street it's better for you, the lighting is more persistent, there are more people, but if people feel safe going on the bike path it's okay for them, but one thing is for sure, we won't be able to take our car at night and patrol the bike path," said officer Sylvain Parent.
