Ottawa police seek witnesses to alleged arson at Rideau Street library branch

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police are asking for witnesses to an alleged arson at the Ottawa Public Library branch on Rideau Street.

Ottawa Fire Services public information officer Nick DeFazio tells CTV News Ottawa that firefighters were called at 7:48 a.m. Saturday because there was a fire in the book return at the library. It was quickly put out using a fire extinguisher. No books were damaged, he said.

Ottawa police said they were called to the scene at around 11:50 a.m., after the fire had already been extinguished by firefighters.

No one was reported hurt.

Police say a 60-year-old man has since been arrested and has been charged with arson causing property damage.

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 4587, or via email at [e-mail].

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

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