Tag: Arson

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Bayfield Bluewater OPP Stratford

$1.2 Million Bayfield Fire – Sonya LARSON Arrested

(BLUEWATER, ON) – One person has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson. 

The Huron County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an address for a report of a fire on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at approximately 9:50 p.m. Upon arrival, emergency services located a structure fire located on the West side of Bluewater Highway, just north of the Bayfield bridge.

The Bluewater Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the blaze. The Office of the Fire Marshall was notified and investigated the cause of the fire, which was deemed to be arson. The total value of damage is estimated at approximately $1,200,000. No injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, members of the Huron County OPP Crime Unit took an individual into custody without incident.

Charged with the following offences is Sonya LARSON, 63 years-of-age, of Stratford:

  • Break, Enter a Place – Commit Indictable Offence (three counts),
  • Arson – Damage to Property (three counts),
  • Possession of Incendiary Material (three counts).

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice located in Goderich on October 20, 2025. 

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Alvinston

Michael GREEN – Arson & Threats

(ALVINSTON, ON) – Police have charged an individual following an arson and threats investigation in Alvinston.

On August 23, 2025, shortly after 5:00 p.m., members of the Lambton County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with assistance from the Brooke Fire Rescue, responded to a report of a structure fire at a residence on Morrell Street in Alvinston. The fire was extinguished, and no injuries were reported.

On August 25, 2025, police received information that at approximately 1:00 a.m., two individuals attended the Morrell Street property, resulting in a disturbance with a resident.

As a result of the investigation, Michael GREEN, a 63-year-old of Brooke-Alvinston, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·        Arson – Damage to Property

·        Uttering Threats – Damage Property

The accused was held for a bail hearing and has since been released from custody. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on September 29, 2025.

Members of the Lambton OPP, along with the Lambton OPP Crime Unit continue to investigate.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance, particularly from residents in the area who may have captured suspicious activity on video surveillance along Morrell Street and surrounding area on the afternoon / evening hours of August 23, 2025, as well as the early morning hours of August 25, 2025.

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Arran-Elderslie OPP Police Press Releases

26 Year Old Facing Assault & Arson Charges

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in an arson investigation in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

On August 14, 2025, at approximately 5:16 a.m., the South Bruce OPP and Arran-Elderslie Fire & Emergency Services attended a residence in Burgoyne for an active structure fire. Officers determined that the fire had been deliberately set by an individual who was still on scene. They were taken into custody without incident.

A 26-year-old female resident of Arran-Elderslie has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Assault with a weapon, CC 267(a) – two counts
  • Arson – disregard for human life, CC 433(a)

The accused was held for a bail hearing on August 14, 2025, and subsequently remanded into custody.

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services Bruce Grey at 1-866-376-9852.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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Huron-Kinloss OPP Police Press Releases

Arson In Huron-Kinloss – Keith DIETRICH Arrested

(HURON-KINLOSS, ON) – On April 3, 2025, at approximately 10:16 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Lucknow Fire Department, and the Kincardine Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a residential property along Bruce Road 86, Township of Huron-Kinloss. The fire was deemed to be suspicious in nature.

As a result of the investigation, on June 27, 2025, the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit made an arrest in relation to this matter.

Keith DIETRICH, 49-years-old, resident of the City of Toronto, has been charged with:

  • Arson, CC 434
  • Break, enter a place with intent to commit an indictable offence, CC 348(1)(a)
  • Use, deals, acts on forged document, CC 368(1)(a)
  • Theft of electricity or gas, CC 326(1)(a)

The accused is set to appear at the Walkerton Ontario Court of Justice on July 16, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

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OPP Police Press Releases South Bruce Peninsula

Arson Arrest – Ronald EBY

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged an individual in connection with two suspicious structure fires in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

At approximately 1:12 a.m. on June 25, 2025, emergency services responded to a structure fire along Bruce Road 13 in Oliphant. Upon arrival, police and fire crews found a wooden outbuilding fully engulfed in flames. No individuals were located inside the structure. Bruce Road 13 was temporarily closed at Spry Lake Road to allow emergency vehicles safe access to the scene.

Police also responded to a previous structure fire in the same area on June 15, 2025. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Ronald EBY, 39-years-old, of no fixed address, has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Arson – (two counts)

The charges relate to both structure fires. The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Grey Bruce OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web tip at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Fire – Stella Miko Arrested

UPDATE – LONDON, ON (May 26, 2025) – A London woman has been charged after the ongoing fire investigation from early yesterday morning in the south end of the city.

As a result of the investigation, Stella Miko, 32, of London has been charged with one count of arson by negligence.

The accused is scheduled to appear in London court on July 9, 2025, in relation to the charge.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

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Elgin OPP Police Press Releases

Eric SEGUIN Arrested Following Fire

(ELGIN, ON) – The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual in connection with a suspicious fire in the village of Elgin.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025 at approximately 12:00 p.m., Leeds OPP and Rideau Lakes Fire Department responded to a fire at an uninhabited single-family home in the village of Elgin. No injuries were reported.

As a result of the investigation by Leeds OPP members and Leeds County OPP Crime Unit, 34 year-old Eric SEGUIN of North Glengarry has been charged with:

  • Arson – damage to property
  • Break, enter dwelling house – commit indictable offence
  • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence
  • Theft under $5,000

The accused has been remanded into custody.

If you have any witness information to provide, such as dashcam footage or home security footage, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave your tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Clarence-Rockland OPP Police Press Releases

Melissa TOBIN – Arson, Disregard For Human Life

(CLARENCE-ROCKLAND, ON) – An arrest has been made in connection with a structure fire in Rockland.

The fire, at a two-storey apartment building on Laurier Street near Edwards Street, was reported on Monday, April 28, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Two people were transported to hospital after they jumped from a second storey window.

As a result of the ongoing investigation by the Russell County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Office of the Fire Marshal, an arrest was made on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Melissa TOBIN, age 47 of Clarence-Rockland has been charged with:

  • Arson-disregard for human life
  • Arson – damage to property

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on May 28, 2025.

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Barber OPP Police Press Releases

Richard GINGRAS – Arson & Firearm Charges

(BARBER TOWNSHIP, ON) – One person has been charged with arson in relation to a fire in Barber Township.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the Elk Lake Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence on Mountain Chute Road in Barber Township.

As a result of the investigation, Richard GINGRAS, 46-years-of-age of Barber Township, was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Arson – disregard for human life
  • Arson – damage to property

Additionally, as a result on an unrelated ongoing investigation, Richard GINGRAS, 46-years-of-age of Barber Township, was also charged with:

  • Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or Ammunition – two counts
  • Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
  • Mischief – obstructs, interrupts or interferes with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Haileybury, on May 13, 2025.

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Goderich OPP Police Press Releases

Arson In Goderich – Chleo HATFIELD Arrested

(GODERICH, ON) – Members from the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Huron County OPP Major Crime Unit investigated a suspicious fire that took place in Goderich on February 19, 2025.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Huron County OPP and the Goderich Fire Department responded to a suspicious recycling bin fire located outside a building on Hamilton Street in Goderich.          

The investigation revealed an individual had started the fire, which caused damage to the building exterior and wiring. The dollar value of the damage to the building has yet to be established. No injuries were reported, however the building has several apartments within.

Following the investigation, one individual was arrested on March 16, 2025 and charged as follows:

Chleo HATFIELD, 19 years-of-age of Goderich has been charged with the following offences:

–      Arson – Disregard for Human Life,

–      Mischief Over $5,000,

–      Mischief Endangering Life.

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing, then later released from custody with a court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich on April 28, 2025.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com , where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OHSWEKEN OPP Police Press Releases

24 Year Old Arrested For Arson

(OHSWEKEN, ON) – An individual has been charged in connection with an arson investigation on Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.

At approximately 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, officers from the Six Nations Police Service (SNPS), along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region Canine Unit and Six Nations Fire & Emergency Services, responded to a structure fire on Third Line Road in Ohsweken, located on Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.

Investigators determined that a fire was set intentionally to a structure, causing minor exterior damage to the building. No injuries were reported.

On the evening on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, an individual was taken into custody without incident at a location on Fourth Line in Ohsweken.

As a result of the investigation, Daryoush KHOSRAVI, 24 years old from Mississauga, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Arson – damage to property, section 434
  • Mischief under $5,000, section 430(1)(a)

The accused has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on March 6, 2025.

The SNPS Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the OPP West Region Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit, as well as OPP Crime Units from Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant, and Wellington County.  

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Isaacs from SNPS at 519-445-2811. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip at helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Residents are encouraged to review their home or business surveillance systems for any footage that may be relevant to this incident. Footage can be uploaded at the following link: https://ontarioprovincialpolice.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/share/sXzGNKV.

If you have any questions, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 with Community Request ID 25052031.

Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Amber Dawn Johnston Was Arrested Again

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating an arson at a residence on Barrie Rd in the City of Orillia.

On February 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 am the Orillia OPP responded to a call from the Orillia Fire Department (OFD) of a fire at a residence on Barrie Rd.

Once on scene police were advised by OFD that the fire had been started in the hallway outside a door deliberately. Through further investigation, specifically witness statements, police were able to confirm and identify a suspect.

At 1:27 pm, police located and arrested a female at an address on West St. N

Amber Dawn Johnston, age 28, of No fixed address was arrested and charged with:

  • Adult Arson – Disregard for Human Life
  • Adult Fail to Comply with Probation Order

 The accused was held for a bail hearing. No injuries were reported.

The Orillia OPP is committed to public safety and crime prevention. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Arson – Aaron Jon Connell Arrested

LONDON, ON (February 5, 2025) – A London man was arrested over the weekend in relation to an arson at an apartment building on Wharncliffe Road North.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., members of the London Fire Department responded to reports of a working fire in the 300-block of Wharncliffe Road North.

Members of the London Fire Department attended and extinguished the fire.

Police attended the scene and learned that the incident was captured on video surveillance. A suspect male was identified.

There were no reported injuries.

The damage is estimated at approximately $20,000.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 2:20 a.m., the suspect male was located and arrested.

As a result of the investigation, Aaron Jon Connell, 45, of London, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Mischief under $5000;
  • Arson causing property damage; and
  • Arson with disregard for human life.

The accused appeared in London court earlier this week in relation to the charges.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.  

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Kirkland Lake OPP Police Press Releases

Justin BERTRAND Facing Numerous Charges

(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – An arson investigation leads to charges against one individual.

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle fire at a residence on Prince Street in Kirkland Lake. There were no injuries reported.

On January 22, 2025, at approximately 10:56 a.m., the suspect was arrested with the assistance of Timmins Police Service on Mountjoy Street South in Timmins.  The OPP seized a suspected amount of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $5,500 and a 12 gauge shotgun.

As a result of the investigation, Justin BERTRAND, 34 years-old, of Timmins was charged with the following:

  • Arson – damage to property
  • Arson – disregard for human life
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Possession of explosive substance contrary to prohibition order
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – six counts
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition – two counts
  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins on February 3, 2025.

The investigation is on-going. Further details will be released as they become available.

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Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

Arson – 2 Arrested

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – Two individuals connected to an ongoing investigation into a series of suspicious fires have been arrested and are facing charges.

At approximately 10:35 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County and Haldimand County Detachments, investigators from the Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit, members of the West Region OPP Emergency Response Team, and the Haldimand County Fire Department, responded to a structure fire on Lynn Valley Road, east of Highway 6, in Haldimand County.

The fire involved a vacant barn, and no injuries were reported as a result.

Around 10:49 p.m., officers stopped a pickup truck on Concession 12 Townsend in Norfolk County. The vehicle matched the description of a pickup truck seen near a suspicious fire that occurred in Norfolk County in November 2024.

As a result, the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident.

Investigators have determined that these individuals were involved in multiple similar incidents throughout Norfolk County between November 2024 and January 2025.

30-year-old Matthew SMITH from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Arson – damage to property (11 counts),
  • Fail to comply with Probation Order.

43-year-old Chad REIMER from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Arson – damage to property (11 counts),
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Monday, January 27, 2025.

The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit urges anyone with information regarding this incident or previously reported incidents to contact the Norfolk County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Residents in this or any other affected areas are also encouraged to review their home surveillance systems for any footage that could aid in the investigations.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.