'An unusual time to be driving': Man condemns latest traffic stop by Montreal police
CTV
Anti-racism advocates are calling on police in Montreal to modify their policy on street checks again after a West Island man said he was recently stopped at night and told by an officer it was an 'unusual time to be driving.'
Anti-racism advocates are calling on police in Montreal to modify their policy on street checks again after a West Island man said he was recently stopped at night and told by an officer it was an "unusual time to be driving."
Quebec anti-racism group Red Coalition spoke out on Monday about the incident, saying it’s just the latest example of someone in Montreal being pulled over for what is often referred to as "driving while Black."
Cyrus Senior detailed his experience, saying that it happened a few weeks ago after he finished DJing at a prom.
The 27-year-old was driving a friend home afterwards when he was pulled over by police at about 2:30 a.m.
Senior, who is Black, said he tried to keep calm, and focused on keeping his hands visible and cooperating with police, all guidelines he learned at a young age.
"Do whatever is asked, no matter what it is, keep a smile on my face. Don't act, feel, seem aggressive. That's always my main concern because I feel the nicer I am, the better chance it will go smoothly," he said.
When the officer told him the reason he was pulled over was because it's an "unusual time to be driving," Senior said he felt confused.