A person was found dead Saturday after a fire at an Ajax home where police had initially responded to an armed male threatening family members.
Durham police say they attended the call about a male threatening his family and other friends at the residence in the Taunton Road East and Salem Road North area, just after 11 p.m.
By the time police arrived, the residence was on fire. Officers and firefighters say they were able to get several people out safely, and neighbouring homes were evacuated.
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In a news release Saturday, police said one person was found deceased following the blaze. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators told the Star they cannot confidently connect the threats with the fire at this time, or confirm the cause of death.Â
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“We have to work in conjunction with the Ontario Fire Marshal and other outside agencies. We’re putting a bunch of resources with this,” a police spokesperson said. “We’re still going through the initial stages of this investigation of facts and fiction and everything else,” the spokesperson added.Â
Neighbouring homes were also evacuated, police said, adding that they cut power in the area to help suppress the flames. They do not have anybody in custody in connection with the incident.Â
Officers added that they do not know exactly what the male was armed with.Â
The Ontario Fire Marshal is probing the incident but police are also asking anybody with information to contact them at 1-888-579-1520 at ext 2530 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Kristjan Lautens is a staff reporter, working out of the Star’s
radio room in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½. Reach him via email: klautens@thestar.ca
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