MONTREAL -- A man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly disarming and shooting at a Montreal police officer during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon -- a series of events that led to the officer becoming injured.
The accused, Mamadi III Fara Camara, 31, is being charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault of a police officer, disarming a police officer, and discharging a firearm with intent.
The victim, Officer Sanjay Vig, is in stable condition, according to police.
Police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said the altercation occured during a traffic stop just before 4 p.m. outside 900 Cremazie Blvd. West in Parc-Extension.
Following the stop, the suspect allegedly took Vig's firearm off his belt.
The officer fled down an alleyway, fearing for his life, police said. The suspect is accused of following him and allegedly shooting at the officer twice. The officer called for backup and a manhunt ensued.
Police say the officer also suffered a head injury, though his overall condition is still unknown. Police did not confirm whether the officer's firearm had been recovered.
"For now, the good news is the injured police officer is out of danger," said Brabant on Thursday.
"We made an arrest during our investigation. We have a man who is transported to the detention centre. He's going to be met later on tonight to determine his involvement in the altercation."
An employee working in a nearby building said they heard a loud bang at the time of the shooting.
“I heard one shot," said the worker, who asked not to be named. "Then, I heard someone scream, and then there were a ton of cops that showed up and it was a crazy scene."
Major crimes detectives are leading the investigation.
- With files from The Canadian Press
