St. Thomas police have arrested Leonard Greason, 48, of London, in connection with an arson case involving a fire at a Chatham apartment complex last summer. The fire, which broke out on August 25 at the 120-unit building located at 99 McNaughton Ave. W., caused significant damage to the structure, with 90 of the 120 units affected.
Greason was arrested on Wednesday and is facing a charge of arson with disregard for human life. He was transported to Chatham-Kent police headquarters and is being held for bail. Erin Ashley Ott, 31, was also arrested in October and faces the same charge in connection to the incident. Both were charged after a thorough investigation by Chatham-Kent police, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue, and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire, which occurred around 6 a.m., displaced numerous residents, with some being able to return in November. However, parts of the building remain heavily damaged, and it will take months before all tenants can return. The cost of the fire damage was estimated at $2 million.
Chatham-Kent housing services, along with employment and social services, arranged hotel accommodations for displaced residents, ensuring access to essential needs, including medications, medical equipment, and provisions for pets.
