Emergency briefs: Second arrest in Grenfell shooting, Cumberland garage fire, Little Italy arson

NEPEAN— The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Guns and Gangs Unit has charged a second person in relation to a shooting that occurred on Saturday, Nov. 12, on Grenfell Crescent.

Last week the OPS made its first arrest in the case.

Ahmed Sami, 22 of Ottawa, has been charged with multiple firearm-related offences, including discharging a firearm, assault, and other drug charges.

“Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have information about this incident or other shootings that have occurred in the City of Ottawa,” the OPS released in a statement today (Nov. 30). “They are encouraged to contact the OPS Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050.”

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

Volunteer firefighters make quick stop in Cumberland

CUMBERLAND – Ottawa volunteer firefighters were on the scene quickly to contain a fire to an attached garage in Cumberland yesterday (Nov. 29).

“At approximately 6:30 a.m. this morning, the Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) Communications Division received a 911 call from a home owner reporting = their attached garage was on fire and everyone had exited the home safely,” OFS public information officer Nicholas DeFazio released in a statement yesterday (Nov. 29).
Firefighters from OFS Station 72 in Orléans Ward were first on scene.

“Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed smoke was coming out from underneath the garage doors of the two-storey single family home located on Manse Road off of Cameron Street,” DeFazio said. “At 6:41 a.m., a working fire was declared to dispatch additional apparatus to the scene to help fight the fire.”

Firefighters began a fast attack to extinguish the flames and by 6:45 a.m. the bulk of the fire had been extinguished.
“Fire crews began searching the home for any residents,” DeFazio said. “At 06:47, Firefighters confirmed there were no residents inside the structure.”

At 7:02 a.m., the fire was declared under control.

“Firefighters opened the hatch in the garage and confirmed there was no extension into the attic space,” DeFazio said. “Fire crews did an excellent job of stopping the flames in the garage before they could spread. There is no damage whatsoever to the inside of the home. There are no reported injuries.”

The homeowner was alerted by a working smoke alarm which allowed them to safely exit the home and call 911 to get us on scene as fast as possible.

Arson Unit seek witnesses to two fires in same Gladstone building

LITTLE ITALY – The OPS Arson Unit is seeking the public’s help with ongoing investigations in to two separate suspicious fires that occurred at an apartment building in the 800 block of Gladstone Avenue over the last 10 days.
The first fire occurred at approximately 3 p.m. on Nov. 19.

“Two people suffered minor injuries and there was substantial damage to the building’s sixth floor,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Nov, 29).

The second fire occurred at approximately 10 a.m. on Nov. 27. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation and there was minor damage to the 2nd floor.

“Both fires were contained to the common area outside the elevators,” the OPS said. “Detectives continue to investigate both matters. At this time, it is not known if the two incidents are related.”

The investigation into these incidents continues and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4587 or by email at arson@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.