Male accused in gas bar arson arrested, charged

Police arrested a Thunder Bay man accused of attempting to set gas pumps at a local gas bar on fire Sunday evening.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Branch were dispatched to a gas bar in the 200 block of Arthur Street West just after 6:50 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27 following reports of an arson.

When officers arrived, they learned a male suspect had fled the scene on foot. Officers located him in the area before 7 p.m. and took him into custody.

Police learned a male suspect had attended the Shell Canada gas bar, approached a gasoline pump, placed various items in front of it and started a fire. It is alleged the male then attempted to douse the flames in gasoline but was unsuccessful in turning the gas pump on.

It is then alleged the male suspect smashed a glass door with a fire extinguisher before spraying the interior of the building with it.

A male suspect was transported to the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters at 1200 Balmoral Street.

Jason Jenclaude Dionne, 48, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:

• Arson – Damage to Property
• Mischief Over $5,000 x 2
• Failure to Comply with Undertaking
• Failure to Comply with Release Order

He appeared in bail court on Monday, Aug. 28 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.