The suspect arrested on Wednesday at the La Belle et la Bœuf restaurant in the Chicoutimi sector in Saguenay will ultimately face five charges, including three of attempted murder.
• Also read: Armed attack: injured in a restaurant in Saguenay
Ahmed May, a 30-year-old resident of Tunisian descent, was working as a chef at La Belle et la Bœuf restaurant when he allegedly attacked people with a knife.
ROGER GAGNON/AGENCY QMI
His victims suffered injuries to their necks or hands. One of them was still in the hospital on Thursday.
The defendant appeared via videoconference at the Chicoutimi courthouse on Thursday. In addition to the charge of attempted murder, he is also accused of attacking police officers.
“We pleaded not guilty to protect his rights. That is a big problem. We must take the time to evaluate the case,” commented his lawyer, Me Nicolas Gagnon, to the media.
The latter added that his client was anxious to be able to present his version of the facts.
For their part, the Saguenay police announced that they had carried out a search of the suspect's home. In order to advance the investigation, a call for witness statements was also launched.
Due to the circumstances, the La Belle et la Bœuf restaurant will remain closed indefinitely.
“Our priority is the health and well-being of our employees and our customers, and we are committed to helping them through this ordeal,” the company’s management wrote on its Facebook page.
Additional charges could potentially be filed. The defendant will remain in custody until he returns to school on January 12th.
– With information from Cloé Hudon, TVA Nouvelles