Waterloo man arrested in connection with string of suspicious fires
Posted Sep 27, 2017 02:31:16 PM.
Last Updated Sep 27, 2017 09:00:26 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Regional Police say they’ve made an arrest in connection with a string of suspicious fires in Kitchener and Waterloo.
Inspector Michael Haffner says Regional Police and fire officials have been investigating for the past several months.
“These fires have caused a significant strain on our resources.. but with help from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the Kitchener Fire Department, and Waterloo Fire Rescue, we were able to charge a man that we believe is responsible for the number of fires that have occurred over the last couple of months.”
Haffner says 31-year-old Daniel Richard Morrow has been charged with seven counts of arson causing property damage and one count of breach of probation.
“Through our investigation, we identified Morrow. We believe he is responsible for several fires — but as you’re aware, there are a number of other suspicious fires in our community that we do continue to investigate.”
Haffner says they’ve reached out to various police services and fire departments outside of Waterloo Region regarding Morrow’s arrest. There’s no current word on whether he’ll face any further arson charges.
Morrow has been charged in connection to the following fires which took place between July and August of 2017.
- Dogwood Lane, Waterloo (shed)
- Bearinger Road, Waterloo (building)
- Pinery Trail, Waterloo (house under construction)
- Glen Forrest Boulevard, Waterloo (shed, building)
- Rolling Hills Drive, Waterloo (school portable)
- Ladyslipper Drive, Waterloo (house under construction)
- Biehn Drive, Kitchener (shed)
Meantime, Waterloo Fire Chief Richard Hepditch says it’s a relief that an arrest has now been made.
“It certainly does give us a sense of closure. Myself, I’m a resident of Waterloo, and this does give me a sense of calm. But as police have said, their investigation is ongoing.. so people need to still be vigilant when it comes to fire safety, and report any suspicious activity that they see.”
Anyone with information on these, or any other fires, is asked to contact Regional Police at 519-653-7700 ext. 6355 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
