Investigation Leads to Arson Charges
The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) has arrested a man who is facing several charges following a public disturbance investigation that led police to connect the accused to a series of fires in the downtown core earlier this month.
On August 8, NBPS Patrol Section responded to a disturbance at a community outreach event in the 300 block of Main Street East. The accused was found to be in possession of stolen property and is alleged to have damaged public property and started a fire on a picnic table that caused further damage to private property
The accused, James Allan CLINKARD, 39-year-old male, of North Bay, has been charged with:
- Six Counts of Arson
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Theft Under $5,000
- Causing a Disturbance.
The accused was then connected to a separate arson investigation that began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 5, 2026, following a series of fires in the downtown core in which garbage bags and garbage bins were targeted. The fires were discovered between 12:40 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. and were all quickly extinguished by officers.
The investigation determined that the accused allegedly set fires at the following locations:
- Two separate fires in the 100 Block of Ferguson Street
- 100 Block of Oak Street East
- Wyld Street and Main Street East
- 200 Block of Main Street East
"We take reports of unsafe and unwelcome behaviour in our community seriously,” said Acting Deputy Jeff Warner. “Deliberately damaging property and intentionally setting fires puts everyone at risk. Our officers acted quickly, and through persistent investigation, we are holding the accused accountable.”
The accused was arrested, held in custody pending a bail hearing, and was remanded with a future court date of August 26, 2026.
