(Webequie, ON) – Two teens face charges of arson and mischief after a fire led to an estimated half-a-million dollars in damages to the community airport terminal Saturday.
Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Webequie First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Saturday, April 26, regarding a structural fire in progress at the community’s airport terminal.
When officers arrived, they observed and confirmed the terminal building to be on fire. Community firefighters were also dispatched to help put out the fire and stop it from spreading to nearby structures.
The fire was brought under control before 2 a.m. on Sunday April 27. The building sustained significant damage. The estimated value of that damage totals about $500,000 CAD.
Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Unit have attended the scene and are now involved in the ongoing investigation.
As a result of continued investigation, two youth suspects were identified.
One suspect was located and arrested without incident at a residential address within the community in the afternoon hours of Sunday, April 27.
The second suspect turned themselves in to police that same afternoon.
A 13-year-old male from Webequie First Nation is charged with:
Arson – Damage to Property
Mischief Over $5,000 x 2
A 13-year-old male from Webequie First Nation is charged with:
Arson – Damage to Property
Mischief Over $5,000 x 2
The identities of both accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Both appeared for bail court on Monday, April 28 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.