THUNDER BAY – A arson suspect could run, but he couldn’t hide from the long arm of the law. Thunder Bay Police have arrested a suspect in an arson investigation following a fire that happened on Monday, July 8, 2019.
The suspect Steffin SAM VARGHESE, 19, of Bangalore India, has been charged with seven counts of Forcible Confinement, and Arson.
Thunder Bay Police report that the residential fire took place in the early morning hours of Monday, July 8 in the 800 block of Queen Street. The Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were not immediately notified about the fire.
As a result of an investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office, the fire was determined to be the result of arson. Further investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Branch resulted in the identification of an accused male. A warrant for his arrest was then issued.
On Friday, July 19, police obtained evidence that the accused male had fled to Niagara Falls. The accused was located with assistance from the Niagara Regional Police Service. The NRPS arrested the accused, who was later transported back to Thunder Bay.
He appeared in court on Wednesday, July 24, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
