STM Special Constable Faces Assault Charges Following Metro Incident
Special constable Mikaël Lahaie of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) appeared at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday to face criminal charges related to an alleged assault during an intervention at Berri-UQAM station last year. The charges include one count of armed assault and one count of assault stemming from an incident that occurred in January 2025.
Investigation and Context of the Incident
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) conducted an investigation into the matter, which falls under their mandate for cases involving criminal allegations against police officers when the victim or complainant identifies as First Nations or Inuit. According to the BEI's press statement, the victim in this case is First Nations.
This incident comes amid broader concerns about safety in Montreal's metro system. In 2025, the year the alleged assault took place, reported assaults in the metro network increased by 15 percent compared to the previous year, according to data reported by the Canadian Press.
Mayor's Comments on Metro Safety and Social Tensions
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada addressed the situation during a press conference on Thursday, expressing concern about the current climate within the STM system. "The STM is currently in a situation where the bond of solidarity and tolerance is very fragile and, in some cases, even broken," Ferrada stated. "There is a feeling of insecurity, frustration, and anxiety among both passengers and transit workers."
The mayor acknowledged the human element of the situation, noting that "the constable we're talking about here is a human being managing a rather exceptional situation, given what we're currently experiencing in the metro." However, she emphasized that she would await the results of the investigation before drawing conclusions about the specific case.
Broader Implications for Transit Security and Homelessness
Ferrada used the opportunity to clarify the role of Montreal's metro system in addressing social issues, stating clearly that "the Montreal metro is not a warming centre, nor is it an emergency shelter." She emphasized the dual responsibility to "ensure passenger safety while also making sure that Montrealers experiencing homelessness have access to appropriate services and can be transported to them."
The case highlights the evolving role of STM personnel in law enforcement. Since 2021, STM inspectors have been sworn in as special constables with peace officer status, making them subject to the Police Act and eligible for investigation by the BEI for criminal allegations, just as regular police officers would be.
Looking Forward
As the legal proceedings against Constable Lahaie move forward, this case brings attention to several critical issues facing Montreal's public transit system:
- The increasing reports of violence within the metro network
- The expanded law enforcement responsibilities of STM personnel
- The intersection of transit security with broader social challenges including homelessness
- The need for balanced approaches that ensure both passenger safety and appropriate social service referrals
The outcome of this case may have significant implications for how transit security is managed in Montreal and how special constables operate within the framework of public safety and community relations.
