Attempted murder, arson charges after Louisa Street fire

CORNWALL – A Cornwall man is facing seven charges, including attempted murder, after a string of violent acts last week.

Cornwall police allege a man threatened to burn down a house on Louisa Street on Thursday (April 27) while a person was inside and then lit the building on fire early Friday morning.

Two days later (Saturday), a 23-year-old woman was attacked and then threatened.

Police made an arrest on Sunday (April 30).

John Sawatis, 37, is facing charges of uttering death threats, uttering threats to burn property, attempted murder, two counts of arson, sexual assault and theft.

He was held in custody for a bail hearing.

Police are still collecting information on the Louisa Street fire and are asking witnesses to call Det. Const. Darrell Blakely at 613-933-5000 x2754.