A Montreal police officer has been formally charged with assault following an incident at the Chez Parée nightclub on Friday, July 10, 2026. Philippe Paquette, a member of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), is accused of detaining a patron he believed to be armed, despite no weapon being discovered, and of failing to note his suspicion in the official report.
According to the charges, Paquette arrested the individual after expressing a belief that the man was carrying a weapon. Subsequent searches, however, revealed that no firearm or other weapon was present. The arrest was followed by an alleged physical assault, after which Paquette omitted any reference to his initial suspicion from the documentation filed with his department.
The incident took place inside the popular nightspot Chez Parée, located in Montreal, Quebec. The alleged victim was a client of the establishment, though his identity has not been disclosed. The police department is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the subsequent assault allegation, focusing on the discrepancy between the officer's claim of a potential weapon and the lack of evidence supporting that claim.
Legal proceedings against Paquette are pending, and the charge of assault underscores the seriousness with which the SPVM is addressing alleged misconduct by its officers. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of police conduct in public venues and highlights the importance of accurate reporting in official police documentation.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the potential penalties or the timeline for court appearances. The situation remains under investigation, and additional information may be provided as the case progresses.