Arson Investigation Results in Numerous Charges for Local Woman
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has completed a lengthy investigation into a series of residential arsons that occurred in Sault Ste. Marie between 2005 and 2011. As a result, 53 year-old Gay, Lynn, OVERLAND, of no fixed address, has been charged with numerous arson and fraud related offenses. The alleged incidents all relate to local properties that she either owned solely, or jointly with another person, or properties in which she had personal interest in. The total value of property loss is in excess of $160,000.00.
Gay, Lynn, OVERLAND will appear in bail court on Thursday, December 22nd 2011, in Sault Ste. Marie and has been charged with the following offenses:
- Five Counts of Arson
- Three Counts of Fraud over $5000.00
- One Count of Uttering a Forged Document
- One Count of Counselling another Person to Commit Arson
The following are the details for each individual occurrence:
- On July 3rd, 2005, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended at 817 Goulais Avenue in regards to a barn fire. The barn was totally destroyed for a total loss of $50,000.00.
- On April 12th, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a house fire at 181 Andrew Street. The house was destroyed by the fire. The total loss from this fire was $40,000.00.
- On April 24th, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a garage fire at 817 Goulais Avenue. The garage was damaged by fire. The total cost of the damage was $2500.00.
- On May 30th, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a house fire at 113 Cathcart Street. The house was destroyed by the fire. The total loss from this fire was in excess of $76,000.00.
- On September 27th, 2011, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a garage fire at 627 Queen Street West. The fire was extinguished prior to any significant amount of damage being caused.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to thank the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services and the office of the Ontario Fire Marshall for their assistance in this investigation. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would also like to thank members of the public who came forward with information throughout this investigation.
Arsons pose a significant risk to the public and emergency services personnel. Due to the potential for injury and significant property damage, these investigations are a priority for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
One person to appear in bail court
Yesterday afternoon members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested a 20-year-old male for several warrants. It is alleged that on December 9th and 18th 2011 the accused failed to comply with conditions of his recognizance release order by not reporting to the city police. It is further alleged that on February 9th 2011 and November 11th 2011 the accused breached conditions of his probation order by attending locations from he was prohibited. It is further alleged that the accused failed to appear for court on December 12th 2011.
Female arrested for theft under $ 5,000
Yesterday afternoon members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested a 33-year-old female for theft under $ 5,000. It is alleged that the accused entered the Sears Store in the Station Mall and stole a sweater valued at $ 59.99. The accused was arrested by store security and turned over to police. Jennifer McRae, age 33, of 54 Birch St. upstairs apartment is charged with one count of theft under $ 5,000. Ms. McRae is to appear in court on January 23rd 2012 at 9:00 am.
Male arrested for failing to provide a breath sample
At approximately 2:30 this morning members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested a 30-year-old male for failing to provide a breath sample. It is alleged that the accused was stopped by police after his vehicle failed to stop for a red traffic light. Upon speaking to the accused officers detected the odour of alcohol on the accused and made a breath demand. The accused refused to provide a sample of his breath.
Scott Purvis, age 30, of 353 Carpin Beach Rd. is charged with one count of failing to provide a breath sample. The vehicle the accused was driving was impounded as a result of this offence. Mr. Purvis is to appear in court on January 30th 2012 at 9:00 am.
Mischief
A building was damaged in the 100 block of Sackville RD.
A window was damaged at an n apartment building in the 70 block of Second Line W.
Theft:
Christmas ornaments were stolen from a residence in the 100 block of LaSalle Crt.
A purse was stolen in the 100 block of East Balfour St.
A vehicle was entered in the 100 block of Henrietta St. A wallet, cash and cigarettes were stolen.