
Family caught in police shootout announces lawsuit against Montreal police, city
Houssam Abdallah and his family members allege the officers acted negligently and recklessly towards them, causing lasting physical and mental impacts.
Lawyer Virginie Dufresne-Lemire says Abdallah was shot six times and his son was shot once during a shootout between police and a 26-year-old suspect in August 2024.
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The lawyer says the suspect allegedly tried to steal Abdallah's vehicle before exchanging gunfire with police in front of the family's home in the Montreal suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que.
The family says Abdallah and his son were left on the ground without medical care for at least an hour and were eventually handcuffed.
Quebec's Crown prosecution office announced in June it would not lay charges against Montreal police officers in the case, following an investigation by the province's police watchdog.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2025.

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Family caught in police shootout announces lawsuit against Montreal police, city
A family that was caught in a shootout between Montreal police and an armed suspect last year is suing the police force and the city. Houssam Abdallah and his family members allege the officers acted negligently and recklessly towards them, causing lasting physical and mental impacts. Lawyer Virginie Dufresne-Lemire says Abdallah was shot six times and his son was shot once during a shootout between police and a 26-year-old suspect in August 2024. The lawyer says the suspect allegedly tried to steal Abdallah's vehicle before exchanging gunfire with police in front of the family's home in the Montreal suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The family says Abdallah and his son were left on the ground without medical care for at least an hour and were eventually handcuffed. Quebec's Crown prosecution office announced in June it would not lay charges against Montreal police officers in the case, following an investigation by the province's police watchdog. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2025. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .