Mischief turns to arson (updated)

Mischief that got out of hand led to the fire Sunday at Fern Piche and Sons Ltd, the North Bay Police Service says.

Constables Greg McClenaghan and Jeff Warner were brought in to investigate the blaze, which caused $20,000 worth of damage, and used anonymous information to solve the case.

On Tuesday they charged a 20-year-old man and two 15-year-old boys with arson in connection with the fire.

Sgt. Rick Dubeau said North Bay police were brought in after the North Bay Fire Department suspected the flames had been deliberately set.

“The scrap vehicles have been there for years and there would have been no reason for them to catch fire,” Dubeau said.

“But our service received anonymous information which led to the arrest and charging of the three suspects.”
Dubeau said the suspects admitted to the crime.

“They also said it was not their intention to cause a fire, that they were not there for that purpose, but the opportunity to cause mischief presented itself and things just got out of hand,” Dubeau said.

“All three said they never thought about the consequences starting that fire could have, and they’re very remorseful now.”

Brian Jones, 20, of Campbell Ave., in North Bay, has been
charged with arson and is to appear in court Dec. 16.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits publishing the names of the two youths.