In a significant development, Ali Ngarukiye has been found guilty by a Montreal jury on Wednesday of the attempted murder of a city police officer, along with several other charges stemming from a 2021 incident.
The 2021 Attack on Officer Sanjay Vig
The incident that led to Ngarukiye’s conviction occurred in January 2021 in Parc-Extension. During a routine traffic stop on January 28, Ngarukiye attacked Officer Sanjay Vig. In a shocking turn of events, he managed to disarm the officer and fired his service weapon before fleeing the scene. This act of violence prompted an immediate and intensive investigation by Montreal police.
Wrongful Arrest of Mamadi III Fara Camara
The attack had far-reaching consequences, leading to the wrongful arrest of Mamadi III Fara Camara, who was present at the site of the attack. Camara faced charges of attempted murder and was detained for six days. However, he was released shortly after when further investigations cleared him of any involvement in the attack on Officer Vig.
The Capture of Ngarukiye
Ngarukiye’s apprehension came nearly two months after the attack, on March 25, in Toronto. He was already known to the authorities there due to a history of fraud charges. A breakthrough in the case came when DNA traces found at the Montreal crime scene led investigators directly to Ngarukiye. This evidence played a crucial role in his trial and subsequent conviction.
Charges and Conviction
Ali Ngarukiye faced several serious charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, disarming a police officer, discharging a firearm, and carjacking. The jury, after hearing all the evidence, found him guilty of all charges.
A Second Trial Awaits
In a further twist, Ngarukiye is also facing charges in a separate case. He is accused of second-degree murder in the death of his cellmate, André Lapierre, at the Rivière-des-Prairies detention center in June 2021. This case adds another layer of complexity to Ngarukiye’s legal troubles and highlights the ongoing challenges within the criminal justice system.
The conviction of Ali Ngarukiye marks a significant moment for Montreal’s law enforcement, reflecting the city’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. However, the incident also raises questions about police procedures and the swift administration of justice, especially in light of the wrongful arrest of Mamadi III Fara Camara. As the city moves forward, these issues will likely continue to be a topic of public and legal discourse.
Photo: Elfriede Duclervil, serving as a defence lawyer, represented Ali Ngarukiye during a court proceeding in Montreal. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)
