Suspicious fire leads to arrests in Eskasoni

A suspicious fire in Eskasoni has resulted in the arrest of two male suspects.

On September 27, 2011 at approximately 8:20 a.m., police were called to a cottage fire at 3981 Shore Road in Eskasoni. The fire appeared suspicious and the Provincial Fire Marshall’s Office along with the RCMP Port Hawkesbury Forensic Identification Section were called in to assist in the investigation. No one was injured in the fire. The investigation revealed items had been stolen prior to the fire being set, including a 30-foot pontoon boat which had been secured to the cottage’s wharf. The pontoon boat was recovered in the water close to the Highway 4 in East Bay.

During the RCMP investigation, Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP) received complaints of two men acting suspiciously in the East Bay area. A CBRP patrol of East Bay resulted in the apprehension of two Eskasoni men in possession of a green John Deere riding mower. Police are now trying to locate the owner of the mower.

33-year old Justin Gould and 20-year old Jamie Poulette of Eskasoni were arrested by police. Both men have been charged with Arson, Break, Enter and Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, breaching their court imposed conditions, and several other charges. They will be appearing in Sydney Provincial Court on September 28, 2011.