Suspect in two arsons arrested

RCMP have arrested a man they believe to be responsible for setting a pair of fires in Kelowna this morning.

The first incident occurred around 6:21 a.m.

“RCMP responded to the area of Leckie Road and Baron Road alongside the Kelowna Fire Department for reports of a male observed lighting bushes on fire. RCMP responded to the scene where they gathered evidence from witnesses to the apparent arson, while fire fighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

About 90 minutes later, a police officer put out a burning piece of material at a business in the 1100 block of KLO Road.

“A front line RCMP officer spotted the arson suspect outside that location, however suspect fled from the officer on a bicycle. Our police officer stayed at the scene after she spotted smoke emanating from the area of the front entrance to the store. She located, removed and quickly extinguished a burning piece of material that had been placed amongst numerous propane tanks. Thankfully no one was injured as a result of these reckless acts,” said O’Donaghey.

An area of containment was established and search was carried out by police.

“The suspect, a 26-year-old Kelowna man, was taken into police custody without further incident along Pandosy Street, near Rose Avenue. He remains in police custody at this time and faces a number of potential charges,” added the corporal.