A special constable with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is facing criminal charges after allegedly pepper-spraying a commuter inside the Berri–UQAM station metro station.
Mikaël Lahaie, 39, is charged with armed assault and assault in connection with the January 13, 2025 incident at the downtown hub. He is scheduled to appear at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday.
Prosecutors allege Lahaie used cayenne pepper gel on the victim. Details about what led to the altercation have not been made public, and authorities have not indicated that the person suffered serious injuries.
The case was investigated by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), which handles criminal allegations involving law enforcement officers. Charges were authorized by the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales.
STM special constables have held peace officer status since 2021. Lahaie is believed to be the first to face criminal charges following a BEI investigation.
