Four arrested after armed assault and attempted robbery on Gatineau trail

Tashi Farmilo

An attempted armed robbery along a popular urban trail in Gatineau has led to the arrest of four individuals, highlighting growing concerns about public safety in the area. On the afternoon of April 6, police responded to reports of an attempted robbery and assault near the Ruisseau-de-la-Brasserie trail, close to Morin Street in the Hull sector.

According to the Gatineau Police Service, the incident occurred around 4:45 pm when a group of four individuals approached a pedestrian and attempted to steal their bag. The victim resisted and sustained a hand injury from a bladed weapon. The suspects fled the scene without managing to take the bag. Responding officers quickly gathered information from witnesses and were able to locate and arrest the suspects shortly afterward.

Police later obtained a warrant to search a nearby tent, where they reportedly recovered evidence linked to the attack. The four suspects — Francis Arbic-Petrin, 30, Audrey Linteau-Godin, 21, Rosy Lisa Sabourin, 28, and Brandon Vendette-Whissel, 26 — were all charged with armed robbery, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats. Two of them face additional charges for failing to comply with court orders.

Since January 2022, the city has recorded over 6,000 cases of assault, more than 3,000 acts of mischief, 344 incidents of armed robbery, and seized 207 firearms, according to data published by the City of Gatineau. The Ruisseau-de-la-Brasserie trail, a popular path for cyclists and pedestrians, has seen occasional episodes of violence in recent years, often prompting calls for increased surveillance and patrols.

City officials and police have pointed to broader regional dynamics, including spillover from gang-related violence in neighboring Ottawa, as contributing factors in local crime rates. In 2022, the city adopted a five-year staffing plan to add 71 new police and civilian positions. The Gatineau police also participate in provincial initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence and improving community relations.

The investigation into the April 6 incident is ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward and call police at 819-246-0222.