Police Continue to Investigate a Suspicious Fire in Kitchener
UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE:
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is continuing to investigate the disappearance of Eli Wood, who was reported missing after emergency services responded to a house fire on Major Street in Kitchener on October 19, 2025.
Upon arrival, the Kitchener Fire Department located a unit at the rear of the residence fully engulfed in flames. The incident is being investigated as an arson.
Investigators were not able to locate Eli Wood, the resident of the rear unit. At this time, foul play is suspected in Eli's disappearance.
We recognize the significant public interest in this case. However, to protect the integrity of the investigation, we are limited in the information we can share at this time. We want to assure the public that this is a very active and ongoing investigation, and our family liaison officer is in daily contact with Eli's family to provide updates.
When it is appropriate and responsible to do so, additional details and updates will be released publicly.
We want to thank members of the public for their patience and cooperation in this investigation and ask that they do not rely on unverified information circulating on social media, as it may be inaccurate and could hinder the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777, extension 8191.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
The family of Eli Wood has requested the Waterloo Regional Police Service to release the following statement on their behalf.
Family Statement
On behalf of our family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their support during this difficult time.
The time since Eli’s disappearance has been overwhelming for us, but your kindness has brought us strength.
We are especially grateful to those who have respected our privacy and trusted the ongoing police investigation.
We are in frequent contact with the police and want to express our deepest gratitude to all investigative teams who have been working tirelessly since Eli was reported missing.
We kindly ask everyone in the community to please avoid posting, sharing, or relying on unverified information on social media. Inaccurate information and speculation can cause confusion and stress for our family and can interfere with the ongoing police investigation.
We ask that you trust the updates provided directly through police and if you have any information to please share with investigators and not on social media.
Again, we want to thank the community for their endless support. Please continue to keep Eli in your hearts - your support has been a source of hope during an unimaginable time.
PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:
Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate a missing person and arson in Kitchener.
On October 19, 2025, at approximately 6 a.m., emergency services responded to a house fire on Major Street. Upon arrival, the Kitchener Fire Department located a unit at the rear of the residence fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished, but it caused significant damage to the property. The incident is being investigated as an arson.
Investigators have not been able to locate the resident of the rear unit, Eli Wood, 25, and believe foul play is suspected in Eli's disappearance.
Eli Wood is described as approximately 4'10" tall, weighing between 85 and 95 pounds, with green eyes, partial white eyebrows and eyelashes, and white patches of hair. Eli has a flower and seahorse tattoo on the left forearm and a rainbow tattoo on the right upper arm.
Police would like to check Eli’s wellbeing.
The investigation is ongoing by members WRPS’ Major Crime Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777, extension 8191.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:
Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate a suspicious fire and a missing person incident in Kitchener.
On October 19, 2025, at approximately 6 a.m., emergency services responded to a house fire on Major Street. Upon arrival, the Kitchener Fire Department located a unit at the rear of the residence fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished, but it caused significant damage to the property.
Police are treating the fire as arson.
Investigators have not been able to locate the resident of the rear unit, Eli Wood, 25. Investigators believe there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance and that this is a targeted incident.
Eli Wood is described as approximately 4'10" tall, weighing between 85 and 95 pounds, with green eyes, partial white eyebrows and eyelashes, and white patches of hair. Eli has a flower and seahorse tattoo on the left forearm and a rainbow tattoo on the right upper arm.
Police would like to check Eli’s wellbeing.
The investigation is ongoing by members WRPS’ General Investigations and Major Crime Units, in collaboration with the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777, extension 8191.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:
Waterloo Regional Police Service is investigating a residential fire that occurred in Kitchener.
On October 19, 2025, at approximately 6 a.m., emergency services responded to a house fire on Major Street.
Upon arrival, the Kitchener Fire Department located a unit at the rear of the residence fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished, but it caused significant damage to the property.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, however, police are treating the incident as suspicious.
The investigation is ongoing in collaboration with the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.