Executive Summary
- A 15-year-old has been charged with arson, weapons offenses, and break and enter following a business fire.
- Emergency crews extinguished the fire on Kings Highway on December 18 with no injuries reported.
- The identity of the accused is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
A 15-year-old resident faces numerous criminal charges, including arson and possession of a weapon, following a structure fire at a commercial property in Fort Frances, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Authorities reported that Fort Frances OPP officers and the local fire and rescue service responded to a commercial alarm in the 1000 block of Kings Highway around 11 p.m. on December 18. Upon arrival, emergency crews observed visible flames and smoke issuing from the building. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, and police confirmed that no occupants were inside the structure at the time. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Following a subsequent investigation, police arrested a 15-year-old youth from Fort Frances. The individual has been charged with arson, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, break and enter, uttering threats, and mischief. Additional charges include failing to comply with a probation order and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the accused cannot be released.
Investigative Outlook
The Fort Frances Crime Unit and the Office of the Fire Marshal are continuing their inquiries to establish the full timeline and cause of the event. Law enforcement officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the incident contact the Fort Frances OPP or Crime Stoppers. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on January 6 to address the charges. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
