27-Year-Old Convicted of Arson Following Residential Fire with Occupants Inside

Gananoque – On September 14, 2024, Gananoque Police Service officers, alongside the Gananoque Fire Service, responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a deliberately set residential fire in the Town of Gananoque.

The investigation revealed that a 27-year-old individual became involved in a dispute with occupants of the residence and caused damage inside the home before leaving the property. Outside, the individual continued to act aggressively toward one person. The accused then returned to the residence, intentionally set a fire in the laundry room, and fled the scene.

The fire spread rapidly throughout the home, forcing residents to flee for their safety. All occupants escaped without injury. Firefighters responded quickly and brought the fire under control; however, the residence sustained significant damage.

Police located the accused a short time later and placed them under arrest. During the investigation, the accused provided a full confession, admitting to intentionally setting the fire using a gasoline-filled jerry can.

The individual was charged with Arson – Disregard for Human Life, Arson – Damage to Property, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm. The accused was held in custody for a show cause bail hearing.

In January 2026, after serving 479 days in pre-sentence custody, the accused was convicted of Arson – Disregard for Human Life. The Ontario Court of Justice imposed a sentence of 376 days of imprisonment, three years of probation, a lifetime weapons prohibition, and restitution totaling $336,000.