‘Gas spewing from the line’: Sarnia homeowner charged with arson

A Sarnia Police Service logo is shown in a handout. Sarnia, Ont., police say a suspended officer has been charged with multiple offences, including assault and criminal harassment. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

A Sarnia homeowner is charged after setting his own house on fire, according to police.

On Aug. 20, an off-duty police officer in the area of Echo Road saw what was considered to be suspicious behaviour at a home, and then saw flames coming from the garage area.

The officer called 911 and when firefighters arrived, the natural gas sensors were triggered. Firefighters could see that the natural gas line to the fireplace had purposely been tampered with and gas was “spewing from the line.”

Police also said candles were placed throughout the home in locations that would meet the flow of natural gas.

As part of the investigation, criminal investigations officers are looing into the ownership of the home, the status of the mortgage and the status of insurance.

A 31 year old has been charged with arson, mischief endangering life, common nuisance - endanger life and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.