2 arrested, including Canadian Olympic race walker, after torching of car belonging to head of Quebec City mosque
Two men have been arrested in connection with last month's torching of a car belonging to the head of a Quebec City mosque.
A 33-year-old man, Mathieu Bilodeau, was arrested Thursday and was charged with five counts of arson in court Friday.
He was also arrested in connection with four other arson cases occurring between July 16 and Aug. 17 in the city's Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge borough, said Lt. Jean-François Vézina of the Quebec City police.
"We're talking about someone who demonstrates an interest in fire who may also have a mental health issue," Vézina said. The other fires were set in garbage containers behind local businesses and institutions.
The second suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the car torching, thanks to the first man's interviews with investigators. He is meeting with police, Vézina told reporters Friday morning, but has not yet appeared in court.
The torching took place on Aug. 6 outside Mohamed Labidi's home, about 36 hours after he appeared alongside Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume to celebrate the sale of city-owned land to the Muslim community for the creation of a cemetery.
Labidi is president of the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre.
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2 arrested after torching of car belonging to head of Quebec City mosque - Montreal - CBC News
Mathieu Bilodeau | Team Canada - Official 2018 Olympic Team Website
https://twitter.com/MatBilodeau
Two men have been arrested in connection with last month's torching of a car belonging to the head of a Quebec City mosque.
A 33-year-old man, Mathieu Bilodeau, was arrested Thursday and was charged with five counts of arson in court Friday.
He was also arrested in connection with four other arson cases occurring between July 16 and Aug. 17 in the city's Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge borough, said Lt. Jean-François Vézina of the Quebec City police.
"We're talking about someone who demonstrates an interest in fire who may also have a mental health issue," Vézina said. The other fires were set in garbage containers behind local businesses and institutions.
The second suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the car torching, thanks to the first man's interviews with investigators. He is meeting with police, Vézina told reporters Friday morning, but has not yet appeared in court.
The torching took place on Aug. 6 outside Mohamed Labidi's home, about 36 hours after he appeared alongside Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume to celebrate the sale of city-owned land to the Muslim community for the creation of a cemetery.
Labidi is president of the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre.
more
2 arrested after torching of car belonging to head of Quebec City mosque - Montreal - CBC News
Mathieu Bilodeau | Team Canada - Official 2018 Olympic Team Website
https://twitter.com/MatBilodeau