Residents of a Mornington Avenue neighbourhood say they’re thankful no one was hurt after several cars and a porch, and other items around the neighbourhood, were set on fire earlier this week. “I was really nervous about it because it’s something that doesn’t happen. Like, our street is so quiet at night,” said Empire Street resident Beth Raymond. “That’s probably why he chose this street, because it was too quiet,” added her husband, Roger Raymond. A burned-out Honda remained in a back parking lot on Mornington Avenue Thursday. Across the road, a fire-damaged Nissan remained outside the doors of on a Connaught Avenue home, and on nearby Empire Street, a scorched Volkswagen remained parked in the home’s driveway. According to the London Police Service, shortly after 12 a.m. Tuesday morning, police and fire crews responded to multiple reports of fires in the northeast London neighbourhood. They included three engulfed cars and damage to a fourth, a residential porch and fence at an occupied dwelling, and a recycling bin. Officers also obtained video of a male suspect pouring gasoline at a residence. Empire Street resident Matt Wayner watched some of the activity go down. “Some random dude came over here, and he set a vehicle on fire, and then he tried to set a porch on fire. And when he set that one vehicle on fire...the vehicle could have killed both of them,” Wayner said. Wayner’s next door neighbour Peyton Jones also saw part of what happened. “All I saw was sirens coming down the street. And I came outside and I saw Empire [St.] had a car on fire. An apartment building down the road also had a car on fire,” he said. At about 3:30 a.m. that morning police located and arrested a suspect. A 34-year-old London man has been charged with several arson related offences, including: The total estimated damage is approximately $62,000. At this time, investigators say they have not identified any connection between the accused and the impacted properties or victims. “At least one of the fires was to a residence that was occupied at the time. So thankfully, there were no reported injuries,” said Sgt. Sandasha Bough of the London Police Service. Police say at the time of his arrest the accused was already wanted on multiple outstanding charges, including incidents involving violence and breaching court conditions. “I think the police really need to step up their game. Yes, they’re doing the best they can, but I think they need to step it up with these guys,” said Jones. “Seems like, unless you commit murder or something like that, they don’t keep you too, too long. Because after all, you know the courts have to decide,” added Roger. Anyone with information or video of the incidents is asked to contact police at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
