Police have charged a man with attempted murder in connection with a fire in Cambridge early Saturday.
On Dec. 30 at around 5 a.m., Waterloo Regional Police and the Cambridge Fire Department responded to a residential fire in the area of Ballantyne Avenue and McDonald Avenue.
The fire was extinguished by the Cambridge Fire Department.
Through investigation, it was determined the fire was intentionally set while the occupants were asleep inside, police said in a news release.
Four individuals occupied the residence at the time of the fire.
A 25-year-old female and a 3-year-old were able to escape from the home and contacted police. They did not sustain any physical injuries.
Another victim, a 24-year-old man, was evacuated from the residence by firefighters and received treatment for smoke inhalation at a local hospital.
A fourth individual, a 30-year-old male, was not present upon arrival of emergency services.
Shortly before 10 a.m., police located the man in the area of Dundas Street North and Samuelson Street and arrested him on charges including:
- Attempt to Commit Murder (three counts)
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life
- Forcible Confinement (three counts)
- Possession of Stolen Goods under $5,000
The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing.
The victims and accused are known to each other, police said.
Police did not release the name of the accused.
Anyone with information was asked to call police at 519-570-9777, ext. 6370. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
