
Police arson unit probing alleged attempt to start fire in Ottawa apartment building, says mayor
Global News
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the police are investigating after video footage showed unidentified people attempting to start a fire in an Ottawa apartment near the trucker convoy.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the city’s police arson unit is investigating after “disturbing” reports of unidentified individuals attempting to start a fire in the lobby of a residential apartment located near the site of ongoing trucker convoy demonstration.
“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this story could’ve ended very, very differently,” said Watson at a meeting of city councillors on Monday, calling the incident an act of “obvious criminal intent.”
“The lives of innocent people are at risk, right now, right here,” Watson continued.
“Show human decency and leave our community now that you’ve made your point.”
Police have not yet said who they believe is responsible for the alleged attempted arson but are urging members of the public to help identify two individuals who are described as “persons of interest.”
Footage shared by a resident of the downtown Ottawa residential apartment building shows two men entering the lobby on Sunday, taping the front doors shut, and attempting to set fire to the building using firestarters.
Matias Muñoz lives in the building and spoke to Global News, describing the incident as “scary” and adding he was told by other residents that it happened after residents of the building argued with protesters a short while before about setting off fireworks on the nearby street.