World
Organized crime member Charalambos Theologou killed after shooting at Starbucks in Laval
A man with well-documented ties to organized crime was killed and two others were critically injured during a daylight shooting at a Starbucks in Laval, Quebec, in what authorities believe was a carefully planned attack.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, when Laval police received a 911 call reporting gunfire at the cafรฉ, located in a busy strip mall at the corner of Highway 440 service road and 100th Avenue.
The commercial complex, which also houses several other restaurants and businesses, was crowded with customers at the time of the attack.
The victim has been identified as Charalambos Theologou, widely known by his underworld nickname, โBobby the Greek.โ Theologou was a prominent figure in organized crime circles and is believed to have overseen the Chomedey Greeks, a Laval-based gang with a history of violent criminal activity.
The two men injured in the shooting are also reported to be members of the Chomedey Greeks. They were transported to hospital in serious condition.
Speaking in Quebec City, Public Security Minister Ian Lafreniรจre confirmed that one person had been killed and two others wounded.
He emphasized that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was a targeted strike linked to organized crime, and reassured the public that there was no indication of โinnocent victimsโ being harmed.
โThis has all the hallmarks of a planned attack,โ Lafreniรจre said, noting the incident bore similarities to other organized crime-related hits in the province.
Theologou, 45, had a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for conspiracy, weapons offenses, and drug trafficking. He was sentenced to four years in prison in 2007 for conspiracy and aggravated assault, followed by a five-year prison term in 2010 for drug trafficking shortly after his release.
Investigative reports have also linked him to an extortion ring operating in Laval, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in Montreal-area organized crime.
The shooting has prompted concern among Laval residents and elected officials.
Quebec MNA Christopher Skeete, who represents a riding in the city, acknowledged the incident in a statement posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
โI have just learned that there has been a shooting in Laval near the Starbucks that I myself frequent quite often,โ Skeete wrote. โI urge citizens to avoid the area and want residents to know that I am monitoring the situation closely with my colleagues.โ
Police investigators have cordoned off the Starbucks and surrounding businesses as forensic teams examine the scene.
Authorities have not yet released information on possible suspects or whether the shooters fled on foot or by vehicle.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Video Shows Gunman Nael Jalani Shooting Inside Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines โ Two students were reportedly injured in an alleged shooting at a private university high school campus in Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning, prompting a major police response and an investigation into how a firearm entered the school premises.
According to initial reports, a student allegedly opened fire inside the university’s high school campus. The incident caused panic among students and staff as authorities responded to the scene.
Local reports also indicated that the suspect livestreamed the shooting on social media, including through Facebook. Some local media outlets have identified the alleged gunman as Nael Jalani, although police have not yet independently confirmed the suspect’s identity.
Police officials said two students were victims of the shooting, but their current medical conditions were still being determined as authorities continued their investigation.
Police Regional Office 9 spokesperson Police Major Shellamie Chang said investigators were working to establish the identity of the suspect and determine how the firearm was brought onto the university campus.
Authorities have not yet released comprehensive details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the suspect’s motive or whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Reports indicate that the alleged shooter broadcast portions of the incident through a social media livestream.
The livestream reportedly showed the shooting unfolding inside the university high school campus. Authorities are expected to examine the social media material as part of the investigation and to establish a detailed timeline of the incident.
Some reports have also circulated claims that multiple people may have been killed, but those reports had not been fully confirmed by authorities at the time of the initial information.
The Police Regional Office 9 is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was brought into the private university.
Investigators are expected to interview witnesses and examine available surveillance footage and social media evidence as they work to determine what happened.
Authorities have not yet released a confirmed motive for the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to provide additional information regarding the victims’ conditions, the suspect’s identity and any potential charges as more facts become available.