Quick arrest after commercial arson

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Case #: 26-92282
Quick arrest after commercial arson

The Windsor Police Service has arrested a 62-year-old man following an arson that caused approximately $25,000 in damage to a commercial property. 

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on August 17, 2026, officers responded to a report of a fire at a building in the 100 block of Wyandotte Street East. Upon arrival, officers determined that an unknown man had broken a window on the northeastern side of the building, ignited an item, and thrown it inside.

Windsor Fire & Rescue Services attended the scene and extinguished the fire. No physical injuries were reported.

As part of their investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage from the area and quickly identified the suspect. 

Within approximately 50 minutes of the initial call, officers located and arrested the suspect in the nearby area. A torch lighter and a piece of magazine paper were seized during the arrest.

Jimmy Benjamin Dugas, 62, has been charged with arson causing property damage and possession of an incendiary device for arson. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Arson Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers by calling 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.