Police say someone was seen leaving the church before the fire on Scott Street
One person is in police custody after fire ripped through the Maranatha church on Scott Street in St. Catharines this morning.
Fire Chief Dave Upper tells us the individual was seen leaving the building before the fire started.
When fire crews arrived just after 6:00 a.m., it took them about 45 mins to knock the fire down. "Very fortunate that the building was already being worked on for demolition... it's slated for redevelopment. So, when we contacted the demolition company they had crews come down and they were able to start pulling the building apart for us."
The Chief adds there weren't any injuries, and damage estimate is not known.
"We had report of one individual who had left the building prior to the fire, and through description that police were given, Niagara regional police have picked up one person of interest," he says.
Police have identified the suspect as 42 year old Martin Munoz of St. Catharines.
He's been charged with Obstruct of Peace Officer.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Munoz has been released from custody, and a future court date has been set.
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