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Orillia man faces arson charges after early-morning crime spree

50-year-old accused of stealing a motorcycle, causing several disturbances, driving drunk and setting fire to a Regent Street residence
fire marshal OPP on scene at Regent Street fire
The Ontario Fire Marshal and Orillia OPP investigated an early morning fire Sunday on Regent Street. A 50-year-old Orillia man is now facing arson and other charges.
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ORILLIA, ON - Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a male after an early morning crime spree on Saturday, in the City of Orillia.

In the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, police were notified that a male on a motorcycle had smashed an apartment window, as well as a truck window, at a Nottawasaga Street address before fleeing the scene.

A short while later, police received a report that a male on a motorbike was refusing to leave a Mississaga Street address and officers arrived and attempted to arrest the male. The male resisted arrest but was subdued and handcuffed by officers. 

An impaired driving investigation was initiated as well and the male was transported to the OPP detachment. The male was also in possession of a large knife and it was discovered that the motorcycle had been reported stolen.

As the investigation continued, police learned that the male was also responsible for setting fire to a Regent Street residence, that morning, which was being investigated by the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal.

As a result, the male, age 50, from Orillia has been charged with:

  • Arson, Damage to Property - contrary to Section 434 of the Criminal Code
  • Operation While Impaired - Alcohol, contrary to Section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Operation While Impaired - Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus), contrary to Section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, contrary to Section 88 of the Criminal Code
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon, contrary to Section 90 of the Criminal Code
  • Two counts of Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon, contrary to Section 270.01(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Assault with a Weapon, contrary to Section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Mischief Under $5000, contrary to Section 430(4) of the Criminal Code
  • Assault, contrary to Section 266 of the Criminal Code
  • Unlawfully in a Dwelling House, contrary to Section 349(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Obstruct Peace Officer, contrary to Section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Resist Peace Officer, contrary to Section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Theft Under $5000, contrary to Section 334(b) of the Criminal Code

The male was held for a bail hearing and is set to appear next on October 20, 2020, via video link, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.

(Police did not release the man's name to protect the identify of the victim)

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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