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A 42-year-old Ottawa man has been charged with arson and attempted murder in connection with a high-rise fire last week that sent three people to hospital in critical condition and forced the building’s evacuation.
The Ottawa Police Service’s arson unit said Wednesday that Saeed Mohamed, of Ottawa, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of arson causing bodily harm, possession of incendiary material and other arson-related offences.
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He is to appear in court Wednesday.
Two children and an adult woman suffered severe smoke inhalation and other injuries in last Thursday morning’s fire at 1244 Donald St., one of two buildings that together are known as Capital Towers.
The fire forced more than 200 residents living on the first four floors to evacuate.
Six people were treated on scene and five others were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The 56 people who live in 16 units on the third floor – where the fire started – will be out of their homes for some time while the units are repaired. Police found evidence that accelerants were used to start the fire.
The arson unit said Wednesday it is still looking for anyone with doorbell, dash cam or video surveillance footage of the Donald Street and St. Laurent Boulevard area 5:30 am and 6:30 am on Thursday, May 2.
Anyone with information, and who has not already spoken to police, is asked to contact the unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney said news of the arson arrest will have an impact on the Capital Towers community.
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