(MACHAR TWP, ON) On Monday June 20, 2016 at approximately 3:00 a.m. the Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the North East Region OPP Forensic Identification Service, the South River Machar Fire Department, the Sundridge/Strong Fire Department and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office responded to a structure fire on Machar Strong Boundary Road.
The residence was completely engulfed when police and fire arrived. Police also discovered that a bright blue 2015 Polaris EXT All-Terrain vehicle (ATV) was stolen from the residence.
Further investigation revealed that a nearby residence had been broken into and a 2000 green Yamaha Big Bear ATV had been stolen. On Tuesday June 21, 2016 OPP recovered both stolen ATV’S.
On Wednesday June 22, 2016 OPP arrested one youth in connection to the arson and on Thursday June 23, 2016 police arrested a second youth. Both accused have been charged with the following offences:
• Arson, contrary to section 434 of the Criminal Code (CC)
• Theft of motor vehicle, two counts, contrary to section 333.1 of the CC
• Break and enter, two counts, contrary to section 348(11)(b) of CC
• Possession of property obtained by crime, contrary to section 354(1)(a)
One of the youths was also charged with possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88 of the CC
Both youth were held for a bail hearing and are to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Friday June 24, 2016 in Parry Sound, Ontario.