NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police responded to a fire within an apartment of a multi-unit apartment building on Balsam Street South yesterday evening (Monday, July 16). Upon arrival at the scene, Timmins Police officers rendered assistance by providing perimeter control. The Timmins Fire Department responded to the fire and extinguished the structural blaze.
Based on preliminary damage estimates, the damage to the structure caused by the fire is pegged at $20,000. The fire was deemed to be suspicious in nature and an investigation was commenced by the Timmins Police Service - Criminal Investigations Division.
Based on their investigative findings, Justin Bouvier, 27, of Timmins was located, arrested and charged with:
- Arson with disregard for human life contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Fail to comply with probation order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
The investigation further revealed that the accused had been involved in an altercation with two other persons after having fled the scene of the fire. In this instance, it is alleged that the accused brandished an edged weapon and made threats to harm one of the persons involved in the altercation.
Based on this separate incident, the accused is further charged with:
- Assault with a weapon contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Utter threats contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Fail to comply with probation order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
The accused remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing slated for this morning at Provincial Court in Timmins. Access to the other units by tenants and guests is not restricted at this time, while access to the unit where the fire took place remains under the control of the Timmins Police Service to allow for further investigative processes to take place.
Anyone with relevant information regarding either event is asked to call the Timmins Police Service at 705-264-1201 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to relay your information.
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