Attempted abduction: Montreal man charged in case involving 13-year-old

Montreal police (SPVM) said on Friday that an arrest has been following an attempted abduction of a minor.

Nicolas Cupidon, 34, was arrested in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough on Jan. 21 and appeared in the Montreal courthouse on various charges, including kidnapping a minor and using a false firearm.

“On Jan. 20, at around 8:45 p.m., the 13-year-old victim was walking at the intersection of Jarry Street and Des Belges Avenue when a man allegedly approached and threatened her,” the SPVM said in a news release. “The victim managed to escape from the suspect, and witnesses were able to call 911.”

The investigation included several SPVM units, police said, from station 31 as well as the Eclipse patrol team.

“Thanks to the rapid and effective intervention of our teams, the suspect was quickly located and arrested,” the SPVM said.

“We would like to reassure the public that the reported attempted abduction is an isolated incident. Montreal remains a safe city, where police services actively ensure the safety of all.”

Cupidon is currently detained and will return to court on Jan. 27 for a bail hearing.