Four young men were arrested in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in connection with a violent attack on another student near a high school. Management was shocked by the images circulating online and confirmed on Wednesday that disciplinary sanctions would be imposed.
Posted at 4:53 p.m.
The Longueuil Agglomeration Police Service (SPAL) confirms that it first intervened on Tuesday, at the beginning of the day, regarding an attack on the Mont Bruno secondary school. According to agent François Boucher, spokesman for SPAL, these are teenagers who attend the school and “allegedly physically attacked another student at the school.”
In a disturbing video that circulated on social media on Wednesday and was picked up by various media outlets, at least six teenagers were seen surrounding the victim at the time of the incident. The young man knelt in front of his attackers and was then punched in the face at least three times by a member of the group.
So far, four young men have been arrested in this case. They are now accused of assault, battery and false imprisonment. Her appearance in front of the youth chamber is planned for a later date.
The victim “suffered non-life-threatening injuries,” Officer Boucher said. The student in question was taken into custody. According to our information, the young man was seriously injured in the jaw.
Going forward, a team of SPAL prevention experts “will be in close contact with the institution’s management to intervene both with the victim and with any students and staff who may feel the need,” the spokesperson added. “Our patrol officers are also mobilized and have an increased presence around the school,” the SPAL said in a news release, saying it is “sensitive to the concern that such events can cause.”
Students suspended
In a letter sent to students’ parents on Wednesday, Mont Bruno Secondary School principal Robert D’Aquila claimed he was “upset and shocked” by the images circulating online.
“I take this situation very seriously. The students involved were all met and measures were taken for the victim, the perpetrators of this action and the witnesses. We are talking to the parents of all these students. Some students have been suspended and sanctions are being imposed, in line with our plan to combat bullying and violence,” emphasizes Mr. D’Aquila.
In addition to increased surveillance in the coming days, school management wants to “understand what led to this violent situation in order to take measures to prevent a recurrence.”
“A team of assistant principals, special education teachers and supervisors ensure that everything runs well at the school. They are on guard duty for all students. In particular, increased awareness-raising measures are planned to prevent acts of violence from occurring again. We will not hesitate to call on external resources specialized in this type of problem,” concludes the director.