City police snuff out fire

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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On the 4th of April 2009 shortly before 2:00am members of the North Bay Police Service responded to a call at Lady of Fatima school on Marshall Avenue in North Bay, after local residents observed a male knocking on exterior windows, and police were called.

Police attended and located an 18 year old male at the side of the property, who attempted to run away when confronted. The male was holding a hatchet, and arrested at gunpoint after a short foot chase by Constables Bradley and Buchanan.

Officers found forced entry to the school, numerous broken windows, and also located a fire on the floor beside the desk in the main office, created from a pile of books and papers.

Officers used a fire extinguisher to smother the fire, and North Bay Fire Department also attended to ensure the fire was out.

Police believe the male is linked to several other incidents involving previous damage at that school, as well as another incident of previous damage at another school in the area. Detective Constable Brewer of the Service’s Investigative Support Section is continuing the investigation.

The male is presently charged with Break Enter and Commit, Arson, Possession of Weapons Dangerous to the Public, and Possession of Break-In Instruments, and was held for a bail hearing.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance by calling to police after seeing the male outside the school. Police would also like to add that surveillance video recently installed in the school is also of valuable assistance.

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