Cornwall, ON – After an ongoing investigation in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police, Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, and the Cornwall Fire Department, a man has been arrested and charged in relation to a recent arson investigation.
During the early morning hours on July 9th, 2021, emergency services responded to a fire in the area of Paul Street and Twelfth Street. The fire was subsequently deemed to be suspicious and an investigation by the Cornwall Police Service (CPS) Criminal Investigations Division ensued.
It is alleged on July 9th, 2021, a 38-year-old Cornwall man attended the residence of someone known to him and damaged a vehicle belonging to the victim. The man is further alleged to have caused a fire to the residence and to have used an explosive substance.
No injuries were sustained by the residents.
As a result of the investigation, Marc Fournier, 38, of Cornwall was arrested on July 9th, 2021 and charged with the following:
- Arson – Damage to property
- Arson – Disregard for human
- Mischief under $5000
The investigation was ongoing, which further resulted in the following additional charges:
- Arson – Disregard for human life x 3
- Possession of incendiary material
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x 2
- Possession of explosive for unlawful purpose
- Explosive: intent to cause explosion
- Explosives: intent to cause damage to property
- Explosives: possession of substance; intending bodily harm or property damage
- Breach of prohibition order x 6
On July 27th, 2021, a member of the CPS attended the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre to advise the man of the additional charges. He was held in custody to await a bail hearing.
“This investigation demonstrates the tremendous amount of teamwork between the Cornwall Police Service and our partnering agencies in protecting the community,” said Acting Detective Staff Sergeant Robin McIntosh of the Criminal Investigations Division. “After an extensive investigation, we are pleased to see this incident safely resolved.”
