Homepage / News / Detroit News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Police: Crash Intended To Blow Up Children's Center

Windsor Officials Await Driver's Psychological Exam

POSTED: 8:26 am EDT October 26, 2004
UPDATED: 1:42 pm EDT October 26, 2004

A pickup truck that crashed into a Windsor, Ontario, children's center and burst into flames Tuesday morning was intended to blow up the building, according to police.

The Ford Ranger pickup truck hit the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society building in the 1600 block of Riverside Drive, just before 8 a.m. The driver -- whose name was not released -- is a former employee who was recently fired from the center, Local 4 reported.

Propane tanks inside the truck reportedly fueled the fire.

"At the time it drove into the building, it was on fire. It's my understanding that it's basically an attempt to blow up the building and an attempted arson," said Windsor police Staff Sgt. Gerry Corriveau.

The pickup truck drove across the lawn of the six-story building and crashed through the glass window, according to the station's report. The burned-out vehicle was left about halfway into the building.

The driver -- a man in his 40s -- was taken to Windsor's Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital in serious condition. Police said the man will undergo a psychological examination before charges are determined.

Several employees who were inside the building were not injured. No children were inside at the time of the crash, Local 4 reported.

Bill Bevan, a representative of the center, said the employee knew the building is open day and night, but does not believe the man intended to harm any children who are often in the building during the day.

"When you're a business that cares about kids, and you have this start your day, it's a real shock to the whole staff," said Bevan.

Bevan said crisis counselors will be available for employees when the center reopens Wednesday.

The Children's Aid Society is similar to Child Welfare in America, except it receives funding by the Canadian government, but operates as a private company, Local 4 reported.

Stay tuned to Local 4 News and ClickOnDetroit.com for the latest developments.




Having trouble shedding winter flab? We can help get you back into (or just into) shape, and find workouts that work for you! More

Utilizing solar power can drastically reduce your energy bills. Find out how you can get started and what it will take to go solar. More

Tired of diets that don’t work? Let us show you how you can succeed when it comes to losing that unwanted weight. More

It’s an employers job to figure out if they can afford your services. Be less uncomfortable with the process with these tips. More

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This >>
Sponsored Links
Power Search
 
Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit are your home for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Click here for the list of televised events, schedules and the daily medal count.

I Am Detroit
Consumer Info

Sponsored Content Provided by ARA