Around 1 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, officers of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) responded to a report of a vehicle fire in a private driveway on Leclerc Street near Miller Street in the LaSalle borough. The blaze was quickly identified as a suspected case of arson, prompting investigators to open a formal inquiry.
The incident occurred in a residential stretch of Leclerc Street, where the burning car was situated in a homeowner’s driveway. Firefighters arrived shortly after the call and extinguished the flames, while police secured the scene to preserve evidence. No injuries were reported, and the surrounding homes were not damaged.
Investigators are treating the fire as a deliberate act. They are collecting forensic material, including possible accelerants and surveillance footage from nearby properties, to determine the origin of the ignition. The SPVM has not released details about any suspects or motives at this stage.
Residents of the neighbourhood were awakened by the flames and the sound of emergency vehicles. Local officials noted that the incident underscores the challenges of responding to crimes that occur in densely populated residential areas during early morning hours.
The SPVM confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with relevant observations or information is being asked to contact the police.
Police investigators will examine the vehicle’s registration, interview nearby residents, and review any available dash‑cam or street‑camera recordings. The SPVM’s arson unit typically works in coordination with fire services to determine whether accelerants were used and to trace potential suspects.
The incident comes as part of a broader effort by Montreal authorities to address property‑related crimes in the city’s boroughs. While no similar vehicle fires have been reported in LaSalle this week, police remain vigilant.
Leclerc Street, situated near Miller Street, is lined with single‑family homes and is typical of the LaSalle residential landscape. The proximity of the driveway fire to neighboring houses raised concerns among occupants about potential spread.