Arson! Port-A-John damaged beyond repair
On February 5th, 2024, at around 8:30 am, a Port-A-John located at Lee Park on Memorial Drive in North Bay was set on fire.
Just after 8:30 am on February 5th, the accused in this incident attended a Port-A-John near the skating rink at Lee Park in North Bay. At that time, the accused started a fire in the toilet, and the Port-A-John caught fire.
Several Lee Park staff members attended the scene and extinguished the blaze and called police, while another staff member began to follow the accused at a safe distance on foot. Police, with the assistance of the staff member, located the accused a short distance away and he was taken into custody without further incident. Upon identifying the accused, it was found that there were also outstanding warrants for him on unrelated matters.
Subsequent to his arrest, a search of the accused revealed a small baggie containing 24 suspected Methylphenid pills, which is a Schedule 1 Substance, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
As a result, the North Bay Police Service has charged 31-year-old Gerald Lavallee of North Bay with:
1 Count of Arson – Cause Damage to Property and 2 Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services also attended the scene, making sure the fire was out and the area was safe. The value of loss as a result of the fire is approximately $1600, as the Port-A-John was likely damaged beyond repair.
The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.
