Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A Sarnia homeowner has been charged after a fire and gas leak were discovered at a house on Echo Road in August.
Police say they responded around 7 a.m. on Aug. 20 after an off-duty officer noticed suspicious behaviour at the property and then saw flames from the garage. The officer followed a fleeing suspect by car until the vehicle was driven in an unsafe manner.
Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze and, upon entering the home, their natural gas detectors went off. Investigators said a copper gas line feeding the fireplace had been tampered with, releasing gas into the residence. Candles had also been placed throughout the home in positions where the gas could ignite.
Police said the investigation looked into ownership, mortgage status and insurance details of the home before charges were laid.
The 31-year-old homeowner was charged with arson, mischief endangering life, common nuisance endangering life and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He was remanded into custody following a bail hearing.
