ARTHUR – The county OPP is hoping a citizen can help them catch the people involved in lighting a fire in the old public school here on Eliza Street on Oct. 4.
Cloes reported that at about 7:05pm officers responded to a break-in and fire at the vacant building on Eliza Street. The school has been closed since 2006 and was sold to a developer, but that development has stalled and the building is vacant.
Wellington North fire officials from the Arthur station responded and found someone had removed plywood covering a door and entered the building.
Cloes said the vandals piled debris and started a small fire in the center of the old gymnasium.
The fire was contained to a small area of the gym and extinguished quickly by fire personnel. Total damage estimate is unknown.
Police are investigating the break-in and damage, and witnesses have told officers four youths were seen fleeing the building just prior to the fire being reported.
Police are asking if anyone has information regarding this incident to contact the County of Wellington OPP Mount Forest office (Constable Lucas Weiler) at 519-323-3130. To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip on-line at www.crimestoppersguelphwellington.com.
