**Shooting at Laval Starbucks Leaves One Dead, Two Injured** LAVAL, Quebec — A shooting at a Starbucks in Laval on Wednesday morning resulted in one death and two injuries, with authorities suspecting a link to organized crime. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at a commercial plaza near a busy highway. Provincial police spokesperson Laurie Avoine confirmed that the deceased was a man in his 40s. The two injured individuals are not in critical condition, according to officials. Quebec's public security minister, Ian Lafrenière, stated that the shooting is believed to be connected to organized crime. He expressed concern over the incident, saying, "This is very concerning. I am following the situation closely with my colleagues, while a major police deployment is underway." Lafrenière also noted that there were no "innocent" victims involved in the shooting. Laval police Chief Pierre Brochet refrained from confirming reports that the victim was Charalambos Theologou, known as "Bobby the Greek," a figure associated with organized crime. Brochet acknowledged, "I knew this individual by reputation; it's an individual related to organized crime." The investigation has since been taken over by Quebec provincial police, who are exploring the possibility of organized crime involvement but have not confirmed any details. Avoine mentioned that the victims might have connections to each other. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Police established a security perimeter around the shooting site, and several ambulances were present. Officers were seen interviewing witnesses at a nearby restaurant. Brochet described the shooting in a public space as "unacceptable, shocking and intolerable," and announced plans to increase police visibility in the area. He emphasized the need to apply pressure on organized crime. Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer extended condolences to the Starbucks patrons and employees who witnessed the event, calling it "absolutely horrible and traumatizing." He reassured residents about the city's safety, noting a significant decline in gun-related crimes in recent years. "Four years ago, there were 70 events involving guns on our territory. Last year, we were down to 47," Boyer said. He added that murders and attempted murders had decreased from 25 to 11 during the same period. "So it's going in the right direction, but of course we don't take anything for granted," he stated. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information and ensure public safety.
Shooting at Laval Starbucks Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

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