CORNWALL, Ontario – As a result of an investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshall the cause of the fire at a Carleton Street address on March 26th, 2017 in which 67-year-old Michel Lalonde died has been determined to be directly linked to illegal drug activity.
It is alleged on March 26th, 2017 the use of volatile substances to extract cannabis resin from marijuana were ignited causing an explosion. As the result of an ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division into the incident Andrew Ross, 27 of Cornwall was arrested on March 29th, 2017 and charged with the following:
- Criminal negligence causing death
- Arson – disregard for human life
- Arson – damage to property
- Occupant damaging a building
- Mischief
- Possession of psilocybin (mushrooms)
- Property obtained by crime (cash)
- Possession of an explosive device
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of cannabis resin
- Breach of probation (possession of explosive substance, fail to keep the peace)
Ross was then held pending a bail hearing.
The Cornwall Community Police Service would like to remind the public that the investigation is ongoing and if they have any information about this incident including any photos or videos of the fire to contact D/Cst. MacKay at 613-933-5000 ext 2789 or CELL # 613-577-0576.
