Harrowsmith man arrested for arson

A fire that occurred in a Harrowsmith residence over the weekend has been ruled an arson, and one man is currently facing charges, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The fire broke out sometime just before 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2020. Members of the Frontenac Detachment of the OPP, South Frontenac Fire Department, and Frontenac Paramedics all attended the residence, located at 4929 Road 38 in Harrowsmith.

According to the OPP, the fire was extinguished by another person at the location before emergency services arrived. Witnesses in the area reported a male attempting to flee the area, however, police were able to stop him quickly. No one was injured as a result of the fire, and the damages were minor and contained to the carpet and wall in a bedroom.

As a result of the ensuing investigation, Mitchell Rattray, 32, of Harrowsmith was arrested and charged with:

• Arson
• Mischief endangering life
• Mischief to property under $5,000
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Three counts of failure to comply with a probation order

Rattray was held in custody and will attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston at a later date to answer to the charges.