Woodstock man charged with arson following fire at Fairgrounds

On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at approximately 6:45 PM, Woodstock Police responded to a structure fire on Nellis Street in the City of Woodstock along with members of the Woodstock Fire Department and Oxford County Paramedic Services. Woodstock Police, Fire and Paramedics also responded to a structure fire on August 29^th, 2020 in the Bay Street area of the city.

Yesterday evening the Canine Unit was called in to assist with locating the suspected arsonist while crews worked to manage the fire on Nellis Street. A Woodstock Police Officer observed a male that matched the suspect description of the Bay Street arson investigation. Canine Unit and General Patrol officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect in the area of Dundas and Huron Streets after the male fled the Nellis Street area.

A 46 year old Woodstock male was arrested and charged for two counts of Arson – Damage to Property and is being held in custody for a bail hearing later today.

Woodstock Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Unit are working in partnership with the Ontario Fire Marshal and Woodstock Fire Inspector on both of these arson investigations. Police will be on scene throughout the day today along with the Woodstock Police Forensics Identification unit and ask that the public please avoid the area. It is estimated millions of dollars in damages were caused by the two fires.

The Woodstock Police Service would like to encourage anyone having information about this investigation to contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers 421-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).