St. Thomas, ON – Friday July 11th 2025
The St. Thomas man charged in the arson investigation from July 6th, has been additionally charged in connection with a second arson investigation involving an abandoned property earlier this month.
At 6:30 a.m. on July 1st, officers were requested to attend at address on Ross Street by the St. Thomas Fire Department for a suspected arson. Upon arrival, police observed firefighters extinguishing a small fire on the exterior of the vacant building.
Fire crews reported locating an active butane lighter propped against a piece of plywood that was securing the building’s entrance. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames before they could spread throughout the property.
A witness reported seeing a male in the area at the time of the fire and provided a detailed description. Through investigation and collaboration with the community, police were able to positively identify the individual responsible.
As a result of the investigation, Joseph Penfound of St. Thomas is charged with:
- Arson – Damage to Property
Penfound was previously arrested and remanded into custody, where he remains. ST25011380
