North Bay police have arrested and charged a 38-year-old man with starting a fire Monday at the Midas shop in downtown North Bay.
John Michael Eckmeier of North Bay is charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence – theft, arson – damage to property, and possession of a Schedule I substance.
Eckmeier is accused of entering the closed business at approximately 2 p.m. and starting a fire in the building.
He is being held in custody pending a bail hearing at the North Bay Courthouse.
Members of the North Bay Police Service responded with North Bay Fire and Emergency Services following reports of smoke coming from the Midas building, located at the corner of Main Street East and Fisher Street.
North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whiteley said the fire was being treated as suspicious.
By approximately 5 p.m. that same day, police identified, arrested and charged the accused for the fire.
The building has been closed and boarded up following a fire the morning of Feb. 22 that sent two people to hospital, one of whom suffered multiple second-degree burns to his face and arms.