WRPS Lay Multiple Charges in Kitchener Investigation Including Arson and Cruelty to Animals

WRPS Lay Multiple Charges in Kitchener Investigation

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Police have laid multiple criminal charges after an investigation in Kitchener.

On April 19, 2022, at approximately 9:50 a.m., police responded to a call for service at a residence in the area of Holborn Drive and Old Chicopee Drive.

Through investigation, police determined there were grounds to arrest a male party present in the home. As officers from WPRS’ Emergency Response Team (ERT) attempted to arrest the male, he became increasingly assaultive, setting a fire inside the home. The male was subsequently arrested by the ERT.

The Kitchener Fire Department attended the residence and extinguished the fire. There were no physical injuries reported as a result of this incident.

Four dogs and two cats were rescued from the residence and one cat perished as a result of the fire. The surviving animals were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.

As a result of the investigation, a 38-year-old Kitchener male was arrested and charged with the following:

• Assault with a weapon
• Arson - disregard for human life
• Arson - damage to property
• Cruelty to animals
• Possession of incendiary material
• Killing or injuring animals
• Mischief under $5,000
• Breach of probation
• Fail to comply with judicial release (four counts)

The male remains in custody.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.