Windsor police are asking for the public's help to identify a man seen on surveillance footage running from the area of a suspicious fire that damaged a commercial building in the Via Italia neighborhood.
Surveillance Footage Released
Officers have obtained video showing a man running north through an alley near Howard Avenue and Erie Street East around the time of the June 15 incident. The individual is described as a male, approximately six feet tall, wearing a black sweater, black pants, and black shoes. Police say investigators want to identify and speak with him as a person of interest.
Fire Details
Police responded to a structural fire in the 400 block of Erie Street East shortly before 10 p.m. on June 15. Windsor Fire and Rescue Service crews extinguished the blaze. Authorities previously reported that two empty gas cans were found near the property, which houses several businesses.
Investigators are urging residents and business owners in the area to review any surveillance or dash camera footage recorded between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on June 15 that may assist the investigation.
Impact on Local Businesses
Smoke from the fire entered the building housing WindsorEats Food Hall, according to a social media post by the business's owners. In a June 17 Facebook update, the owners stated that despite the damage, their Mexican Village event for the Carrousel of the Nations would still take place on June 19 and 20. However, they noted that cleanup efforts would prevent them and Rico Taco Mexican Street Eats from opening on Sunday.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Arson Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at http://catchcrooks.com.
