Arson suspect arrested in Kelowna fire case

Kelowna RCMP has apprehended an individual believed to be involved in an arson.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Sunday, June 4, Mounties responded to a suspicious structure fire.

The initial investigation into the fire at the Bankhead Convenience Store at 1396 Bernard Avenue determined it to be criminal in nature.

The Kelowna RCMP General Investigative Unit took over the case and, though the investigation into the fire was still underway as of Tuesday, June 6, one person had been arrested in connection to the fire.

The suspect was released from custody Monday, June 5, and is due to appear in court October 9. A full report to Crown counsel will be forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service ahead of that trial date.

“This incident was not random in nature and we do not believe there is risk to other members of the public or businesses from the individual who was arrested.” Cpl. Michael Gauthier of the Kelowna RCMP said.

“An extensive risk assessment is always conducted before someone is released from custody and appropriate conditions have been put in place.”

As part of the ongoing investigation Mounties are asking for any video evidence of foot traffic in the areas of Bernard Avenue, Burtch Road and the Parkinson Recreation Centre between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday, June 4.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or to file an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).