SQ continues to investigate attempted murder in Laval

Police were called to the scene on St-Martin Boulevard West after shots were heard Friday morning.

Quebec provincial police continue to investigate the attempted murder of a man they believe is involved in organized crime.

According to reports from Radio-Canada, Tonino Callocchia, 51, was the target of an attempted murder in the parking lot of Youlios restaurant on St-Marin Boulevard in Laval just after 10 a.m. on Friday.

It is believed Callocchia, a construction entrepreneur, has strong ties to the Montreal Italian Mafia.

He has a criminal record for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Though police will not confirm Callocchia was the target of the attack, the Sûreté du Québec took over the case for the Laval police because it is believed the victim was linked to organized crime.

Police said the man had received multiple shots to the torso.

"I don't know how many times he was hit, but ... there were several gunshots that were heard," said Const. Franco Di Genova.

He said the man was alive and conscious when he was taken to hospital.

Police have set up a perimeter in the parking lot of the restaurant, located near the Centre Laval shopping mall.

Di Genova said investigators are speaking to witnesses, but no arrests have been made.