A disturbing incident in Sudbury's downtown core has left residents concerned after a 40-year-old local man was charged with deliberately setting a fire adjacent to a popular convenience store.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service responded to emergency calls early Tuesday morning regarding a structure fire at the intersection of Elm and Lismer Streets. Fire crews arrived to find flames engulfing an exterior wall of the business, prompting an immediate evacuation of nearby buildings.
Investigators quickly determined the fire was suspicious in nature. "Through witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, we identified a suspect who allegedly intentionally ignited combustible materials against the building," stated Police Constable John Smith in a press release.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The accused, identified as Michael Johnson of Sudbury, now faces serious criminal charges including:
- Arson causing damage to property
- Mischief endangering life
- Possession of incendiary materials
Johnson was arrested without incident at his residence and remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday. The convenience store sustained significant exterior damage but was spared from complete destruction thanks to the rapid response of emergency services.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Local business owners have expressed alarm over the incident, particularly given the dense urban location and potential risk to public safety. The building houses multiple residential units above the commercial space, raising concerns about what could have been a tragic outcome.
Fire officials are reminding property owners to maintain clear sightlines around their buildings and report any suspicious activity immediately. "This incident serves as an important reminder about fire safety in commercial districts," noted Fire Chief Amanda Rodriguez.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine if there are any connections to other recent incidents in the area. Store management expects to reopen for business within days once repairs are completed and safety inspections passed.
