On Saturday April 16th, 2022, at approximately 11:30pm Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 5 District (Fort Erie) responded alongside members from the Fort Erie Fire Department for a reported structure fire in the area of Bertie Street and Central Avenue, in the Town of Fort Erie.
As the Fort Erie Fire Department worked to control the fire and extinguish the flame, 5 District officers began investigating reports of a female suspect seen leaving the scene carrying a gas can. Detectives assumed carriage of the investigation and with assistance from patrol officers the female suspect was promptly identified, located, and arrested.
No physical injuries were sustained as a result of the fire.
Heather VAN ROSSUM (55 years) of Fort Erie is charged with the following offences:
• Arson with disregard for human life – Criminal Code of Canada
• Fail to comply with Undertaking – Criminal Code of Canada
VAN ROSSUM was held in custody and will attend a bail hearing via video link to the John Sopinka Courthouse on April 17th, 2022, located at 45 Main Street East, in the City of Hamilton.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact 5 District detectives at 905-688-4111, extension #1022300.
Incident #22-39435
