(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – The Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Inspector Colleen McCormick, continues to investigate a series of fires which have occurred in Little Current in recent months, with the latest being on Thursday, August 7, 2014. Shortly before 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a fire on Campbell Street West, in Little Current.
NEMI Fire Department was already on scene when police arrived. The building known as the Old Curling Club became fully engulfed by fire and spread to the adjacent building, Old Church. Residents in the surrounding area were evacuated and no injuries were sustained.
Both buildings were completely destroyed by fire and as a result, investigators from the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office were called in to assist NEMI Fire Department and OPP in their investigation.
On Sunday August 10, 2014, OPP arrested an adult male in connection with the recent arsons. Clinton Gordon HAGGART Age 30 of Little Current, Ontario has been charged with seven counts of Arson contrary to the Criminal Code. He will appear in bail court in Gore Bay on Monday the 11th of August, 2014.
Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking the public’s assistance if anyone with information may call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).