Two men are dead and two have been hospitalized following a shooting in Old Montreal Thursday afternoon that may be linked to organized crime.
The first victim of the fatal shooting, who was between the ages of 30 and 45, was confimed dead inside the store, said Montreal police Const. Olivier Lapointe. The second victim, age 27, was confirmed dead by police at 4:25, after being transported to hospital.
Two men are at the Montreal General Hospital being treated for gunshot wounds. One is in critical condition and the other is in stable but serious condition, said police.
Police are on the lookout for two men seen fleeing on foot from the Flawnego clothing store at 240 St. Jacques St. west near St. Francois Xavier St. at about 1:45 p.m. A wig was discovered nearby, and it's believed that the shooters were hiding their faces.
A woman who works at a nearby clothing store told CTV News that police told everyone in stores on the block to stay inside during the police operation.
A perimeter was cordoned off on the busy street in the financial district as police spoke with witnesses.
These are the fifth and sixth homicides of 2010, said Lapointe.
The high-end clothing store is owned by Joseph Ducarme, 41, who is known to police. Legal records obtained by CTV find a Joseph Ducarme pleaded guilty to the fraudulent sale of real estate property in 1986. He was also accused of intimidation in 1988.
