A 33-year-old man was fatally shot while in his vehicle on Rue Palardy in Laval’s Auteuil neighborhood on June 4, 2026, with the case now under investigation by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) due to suspected organized crime ties. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m., marks the first homicide in Laval this year and has prompted a significant police response.
Victim Identified as Hassan Haidar, 33
The deceased, identified by Radio-Canada as Hassan Haidar, was found critically injured after being struck by multiple gunfire rounds while driving. Police arrived at the scene shortly after 8:30 a.m. following multiple 911 calls about gunfire, according to the Service de police de Laval (SPL). Despite on-site resuscitation efforts, Haidar was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. The SPL confirmed the fatality, with the case now under SQ jurisdiction.
Investigation Shifts to Sûreté du Québec
The SPL transferred the case to the SQ by 9:39 a.m., citing “strongly suspected” links to organized crime. The SQ has not yet released details about potential suspects or motives, but the transfer underscores the severity of the investigation. The SQ’s involvement is notable, as it typically handles complex cases involving criminal networks. The SPL emphasized that the Auteuil neighborhood remains secure, though Rue Palardy was closed to traffic during the investigation.
Connection to Past Violence
The killing follows a 2021 murder linked to the Crazy Moon bar in Pont-Viau, where Nitchell Lapaix, a street gang member, was killed. Tarek Youssef Baydoun, who was convicted in that case, was murdered in a Drummondville prison on June 3, 2026. While the SQ has not confirmed a direct connection, the timing has raised questions about potential retaliatory actions or ongoing conflicts within organized crime groups. Courrier Laval highlighted this context, noting the “reglement de compte” (settlement) in the prison incident.
Police Response and Community Impact
The SPL deployed a large contingent of officers to the scene, establishing a security perimeter and conducting interviews. Residents in the Auteuil area reported heightened police presence, though no immediate threats to public safety were indicated. The SQ has not yet announced any arrests, but investigators are reportedly examining surveillance footage and witness statements. The case has sparked concern among locals, with some fearing a surge in violence linked to organized crime activities in the region.
The incident underscores the persistent challenges of crime in Montreal’s suburbs, where organized groups have historically operated. While the SQ has not provided a timeline for the investigation, the case is expected to draw attention from provincial and federal law enforcement agencies. As the inquiry progresses, authorities may face pressure to address broader patterns of violence tied to criminal networks.
