The errors of the justice system once again hit the police in Louiseville, in Mauricie, when a disturbed man, released with several records, allegedly threatened the officers. The worst was averted.
Louiseville police are on alert after being the target of threats. Maxime Bourassa, 36, attacked the peace officers again.
“He is an individual who is a repeat offender, whose disturbed mental state is violent and for whom he named the names of the police officers at the station and why he wanted to kill them. This is very serious! ” commented the president of the Association of Quebec Provincial Police Officers (APPQ), Jacques Painchaud.
Maxime Bourassa was arrested on Friday. His face was known to the police. Last year, he showed up at the Louiseville station armed with an axe. He broke a window and destroyed a patrol car. The police were able to subdue him with an electric shock weapon.
Two months later, he was arrested again with knives in his clothes. He gave a disconnected and delusional speech.
Police officials are wondering whether to release him again despite his list of antecedents.
Others feel they are at the same point as they were six months ago, while the mourning of Maureen Breau is difficult to get through.
The APPQ president demanded action from the government. He is also scheduled to meet with the Minister of Public Security this week.
In the office of Francois Bonnardel, it was mentioned that there is a committee established to ensure that the police are systematically informed when people have a violent history linked to mental health problems and that the work continues. Concrete steps will be presented soon.
Discussions are also ongoing to make changes outside the Louiseville station. We want to secure those places more, because they are very accessible.
The arrival of a social worker at the Louiseville station is still awaited. The hiring process is not over yet. We aim to start in November.
