KAWARTHAS-The Peterborough County OPP has made an arrest and laid charges after a devastating fire on George Street in Havelock. 18 people have been displaced.
On April 23, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m. officers received a call regarding a structure fire at a multi-unit apartment residence on George Street in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. Officers attended where fire crews were dealing with a fully engulfed structure fire. All occupants of the building were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Police say that after an argument, a known individual allegedly uttered threats to the complainant and exited the building. Directly after, the building was engulfed in flames. A description of the individual was provided to officers.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., officers received a call about a suspicious person and located the individual a short distance away from the scene. As a result, the individual was arrested.
A 29-year-old male from Havelock was arrested and charged with:
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life
- Fail to comply with Probation Order – two counts
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Uttering Threats – Damage Property
The name of the accused will not be released in order to protect the identity of the victim.
The accused was held for Bail and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.
The Office of the Fire Marshal was contacted and will be attending to investigate. A police presence will continue in the area while the investigation continues.
