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Two years later, OPP still searching for information in Essa arson

Home was under construction on 11th Line, between 25th Side Road and Highway 90, when someone broke in and poured gasoline throughout main floor and at the rear entrance
BarrieToday Staff
2021-03-27 Essa Twp arson
Ontario Provincial Police have released this photo of the interior of a residence where an arson occurred March 28, 2019. OPP photo

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ESSA TWP. - On Thursday, March 28, 2019, members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) commenced an arson investigation at a residence under construction on the 11th Line of Essa Township.

The residence, which was newly built and unoccupied at the time, is located on the 11th line, between the 25th Side Road and Highway 90. Through the course of an investigation, it has been determined that the fire was intentionally set somewhere between Wednesday March 27, 2019 after 4:30 p.m., and Thursday March 28, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.

It appears as though unknown suspect(s) broke into the residence and poured gasoline throughout the main floor, causing extensive damage. Additionally, two small fires were set at the rear entrance of the home, which caused significant damage due to the poured gasoline.

The investigation is coming up on the two-year anniversary, and investigators believe that it is likely that someone has information that could assist in the investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward to Nottawasaga OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

"Investigations like these are often difficult because we are relying on a member of the public to make the right choice and come forward to provide us with the information we need to tie certain pieces of the puzzle together. Please reach out to police or Crime Stoppers if you have any information that you feel could assist in this investigation. Sometimes even the smallest piece of information is the piece that completes the puzzle and helps us solve crimes. Thankfully, nobody was injured, however, there was an extensive amount of damage caused to the residence." — Sergeant Dale Smith, Investigating Officer, Nottawasaga Crime Unit

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