Sault Ste. Marie Police Services said they arrested a 14-year-old male from Sault Ste. Marie in relation to a possible arson that occurred at a vacant building on the 300 block of Albert Street West on Sunday morning.
In a press release, police said it is alleged that the accused broke into the building, poured gasoline, then lit it on fire before running away from the scene.
Police said he was arrested in the vicinity of the incident.
As reported yesterday by SooToday, on the morning of the incident one of the neighbours beside the building heard a male voice outside her apartment window say “we’re gonna' blow this bitch up,” and the sound of a lighter flicking.
The witness ran outside shining her iPhone and said she saw two young men in hoodies who became startled and ran away from the scene.
The witness said that a basement window near the rear of the building was on fire.
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services said the building suffered no structural damage and that no one was injured.
The incident was the fifth vacant building fire reported in Sault Ste. Marie in under three weeks.
“Regarding whether or not the incident is related to the other recent fires we have to say to that there is no obvious connection and no link at this time. However, that (connection) is something that we keep in mind when we are conducting these investigations,” said city police Const. Sonny Spina.
Although the witness said she saw two people, police report only one arrest.
Spina said that if another person is involved, police will follow up on that.
The following is a press release issued this afternoon by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service:
*************************
On May 7th, 2017 officers with the Patrol Services Division of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested a 14 year old male from Sault Ste. Marie in relation to a fire.
It is alleged that just after 3:00 a.m. on May 7th, 2017 the accused broke into a vacant residence in the 300 block of Albert Street West. The accused is alleged to have caused damage by pouring gasoline inside of the residence and lighting it on fire before fleeing the scene.
The accused was located by police a short distance from the scene and was arrested. He has been charged with one count of arson and one count of break and enter. He will appear in bail court today.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can also submit an anonymous web tip using the following link, please click here or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. See Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use. Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $2000 for tips that lead to an arrest. Visit our website for more information: www.saultcrimestoppers.com.
Contact information:
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, 580 Second Line East, Sault Ste. Marie ON P6B 4K1. (705) 949-6300 or [email protected]
