A family in the Montréal‑Nord borough says police officers sprayed pepper spray on guests at a birthday celebration on Monday morning, alleging an abuse of authority. The incident is reported to have occurred at approximately 09:39 a.m. on June 22, 2026, when members of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) were present at the private gathering.
According to the family’s complaint, the officers deployed the chemical agent against attendees without justification, prompting claims of excessive force. The family has not provided additional details regarding the number of officers involved or the specific circumstances that led to the deployment.
The SPVM has not yet released an official statement addressing the allegation. The case emerges while the city’s police force continues to face public examination of its use‑of‑force policies, following several recent incidents that have drawn media attention and community concern.
Legal experts note that complaints of this nature are typically investigated by the police oversight body, which reviews evidence and determines whether disciplinary action is warranted. The family’s accusation adds to the growing list of grievances that may be examined under the current review processes.
The birthday party, held in a residential area of Montréal‑Nord, was a private event, and the family says the use of pepper spray disrupted the celebration and caused distress among the participants. No injuries have been reported in the initial account, and it is unclear whether medical assistance was sought.
Authorities are expected to assess the claim in line with existing protocols for handling allegations of improper police conduct. The outcome of any investigation could influence ongoing discussions about police practices in Montreal.
The family’s allegation highlights the tension between community expectations and law‑enforcement actions, a dynamic that continues to shape public discourse in the city.