House fires on Nelson and Lydia streets Sunday, Jan 21. BlackburnNews.com photos by Josh Boyce.House fires on Nelson and Lydia streets Sunday, Jan 21. BlackburnNews.com photos by Josh Boyce.
Sarnia

UPDATE: Arson Arrest In House Fires

An arson suspect was in custody awaiting a bail hearing Monday in connection with two house fires in Sarnia within minutes of one another Sunday evening.

Constable John Sottosanti says at around 7:50pm, Sarnia police and firefighters responded to the 400-block of Nelson St.

While there, he says witnesses told police they had seen a man running from the home to another in the 400-block of Lydia St.

"There the suspect was observed throwing something into the residence and shortly thereafter the house became engulfed in flames," says Sottosanti. "Thanks to the witnesses who continued to follow the suspect, police were able to locate the 31-year-old male suspect from Sarnia and arrest him on Durand St."

Constable Sottosanti says the man, whose name has not yet been released, is charged with two counts of arson and one count of break and enter.

No injuries were reported in either fire, but both homes were extensively damaged.

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