A resolution may be in the works for a Chatham woman charged after a fire that forced dozens of tenants from a municipal housing complex.
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Erin Ashley Ott, 31, appeared briefly in a Chatham court by video link Tuesday.
She’s charged with arson-regard for human life in connection with an early morning fire at a 120-unit apartment building at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham Aug. 25.
Court granted a request from Ott’s lawyer, who was not present, to have the matter return Sept. 24 after a resolution meeting with the Crown attorney.
She remains in custody.
A publication ban is in place on evidence presented during the pre-trial stage of the case.
Police, meanwhile, are still looking for Leonard Greason, 48, also charged with arrest for human life in the Aug. 25 blazes.
Greason, who’s known to frequent London, remains on Chatham-Kent police’s wanted list, said police, who advise citizens not to approach or interact if they see him.
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Police ask anyone who knows where Greason is to call 911 or 519-352-1234., or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Ott and Greason were charged after an investigation by police, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, police said.
Firefighters were alerted about 6 am Aug. 25 by the building’s fire alarm system and several 911 calls, Fire Chief Chris Case said.
“When (firefighters) arrived. . . they found quite a developed fire breaking through the roof,” Case said.
Some residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, but no one was taken to hospital. he added.
The blaze affects 90 of the 120 units and it is expected to take several months of repairs before residents can return.
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