(Photos of suspects about to turn himself in to Port Hope Police and photos from inside 3M Dance Works)
Exclusive – A 27-year-old Cobourg resident is facing a serious of criminal charges including break and enter and arson following a series of incidents in Port Hope early Saturday, December 18, 2021.
It’s believed four fires were intentionally set in downtown Port Hope starting at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Numerous windows were smashed as well along Walton, Mill Street and Peter Streets.
The fires were a garbage container on John Street, two Christmas gnomes which caused minor damage.
A fourth fire caused approximately $80,000 damage to 3M Dance Works located at 104 Peter Street.
Port Hope Police released an image of the suspect on Saturday through social media.
Jordan Stevenson said he recognized the suspect as soon as he saw the image.
“It was my immediate reaction I knew who the suspect was,” Stevenson said in a exclusive interview with Today’s Northumberland.
The person had been an employee of Stevenson’s for three weeks.
“As soon as I recognized him I put the wheels in motion internally so we reached out to the police and cooperated.”
The suspect met Stevenson at his place of business on Hamilton Road just north of Ward Street on Sunday morning where Stevenson drove him to the Port Hope Police Station where the suspect turned himself in.
Stevenson said no matter where you live things like this happens, but being born and raised in Port Hope he wanted to make sure the suspect turned himself in.
“Being a business owner myself, and seeing another business owner suffer in such a tragic way, needlessly at that. My first thoughts were how can we help? My thoughts when the picture came out was, how could someone be responsible for such a massive loss and terrible actions.”
On the ride to the police station there were very few words said by the suspect other than he said he doesn’t remember what happened.
“My only concern is ensuring that the victims have closure and that the justice process can begin immediately.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Jordan Bradshaw from Cobourg is facing charges of:
· eight counts of mischief
· two counts of arson
· two counts of break and enter.
Bradshaw was held for a bail hearing on Monday.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
