Attempted murder charges laid in Overbrook apartment fire
The Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against an Ottawa man, including for attempted murder, in connection with an alleged arson of an Overbrook apartment building last week.
Two children and one woman were sent to hospital in critical condition in the fire that broke out on the third floor of 1244 Donald Street in the early hours of May 2.
There were 14 injuries in total and hundreds of residents were displaced. The building has approximately 136 units.
Ottawa Fire Services say about 50 apartments were impacted by Thursday's fire, citing water and smoke damage.
Saeed Mohamed, 42, of Ottawa, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, arson with disregard for human life, three counts of arson, possession of incendiary material and arson causing property damage.
He was expected to appear in court Wednesday.
Kimberley Daoust, who lives on the sixth floor, told CTV News Ottawa it was frightening to hear of the charges.
"Well, that is, like, very, very, very scary. It makes the building, like, not really a safe place to live."
A second fire was reported at the highrise in the evening of May 3 where one resident was injured. Police say there is no indication that fire was suspicious.
Fatima Otham is still without a home after the fire on Friday. Otham fled Syria two years ago with her family and must now find another new place to live.
"We were seven people in the apartment," she said. "When they told us you guys going to Canada, we said, okay, it's more safe place. And when the fire happened, that was a heartbreak for us because we knew nowhere is safe."
The police are still looking for anyone with doorbell, dash cam or video surveillance footage of the Donald Street and St. Laurent Boulevard area between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on May 2.
Anyone with information and who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact the Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jackie Perez.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'