A 26 year old Brockton man has been charged with arson after an investigation into a Walkerton apartment building fire in December.

The fire resulted in the evacuation of all 20 residents by Brockton firefighters from the Bruce County Housing Corporation building at 308 John Street.

Brandon Carroll has been charged with arson – disregard for human life, and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice to answer to the charge, according to the OPP:

*****

On Thursday, Dec. 1, at 1:05 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a fire along John Street in Walkerton. Officers attended with members of the Walkerton Fire Department, and Bruce County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), to find a fully engulfed fire at an apartment building.

Emergency responders worked to evacuate the residents and assisted them with finding temporary shelter. Thanks to the efforts of the first responders, there were no serious injuries reported at the scene.

The South Bruce OPP continued an investigation into the cause of the fire along with the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit, the OPP Forensic Identification Unit (FIU) and Office of the Fire Marshall.

As a result of the police investigation, a criminal code charge has been laid.

Brandon Carroll, 26-years-old, from the Municipality of Brockton was charged with Arson – Disregard for Human Life. The accused will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice as required to answer to the charge.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

*****

source: media release, South Bruce OPP