LAVAL, Quebec — A brazen daylight shooting at a Starbucks in Laval has left one man dead and two others critically injured in what police believe was a targeted attack tied to organized crime. The incident unfolded just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at a busy strip mall near Highway 440 and 100th Avenue, shocking customers and nearby residents.
Laval police said a 911 call alerted officers to multiple gunshots inside the café. When authorities arrived, they discovered three men struck by gunfire. The victim killed has been identified as 45-year-old Charalambos Theologou, widely known in criminal circles as “Bobby the Greek.” He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, also believed to be affiliated with Theologou’s gang, the Chomedey Greeks, were rushed to hospital in serious condition.
Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière confirmed the fatal shooting during remarks in Quebec City, describing it as a “planned attack” with clear ties to organized crime. He stressed that investigators found no evidence that bystanders or “innocent victims” were harmed during the shooting, despite the café being crowded at the time. “This has all the hallmarks of a targeted strike,” Lafrenière said, noting similarities with past organized crime-related hits across the province.
Theologou had a lengthy criminal record spanning more than two decades. He was sentenced to four years in prison in 2007 for conspiracy and aggravated assault, followed by a five-year sentence in 2010 for drug trafficking. Investigative reports have also linked him to extortion schemes in Laval, solidifying his reputation as a central figure in Montreal-area organized crime.
The deadly attack has stirred anxiety among Laval residents and prompted concern from elected officials. Local MNA Christopher Skeete, who represents the area, acknowledged the shooting in a social media post, writing: “I urge citizens to avoid the area and want residents to know that I am monitoring the situation closely with my colleagues.” He also noted that the Starbucks where the attack occurred is one he frequents himself.
Police have cordoned off the Starbucks and neighboring businesses as forensic teams continue their investigation. Authorities have not yet released details about possible suspects or how the shooters escaped the scene. The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.