Trail man found guilty after Gulch explosion
By Trail Champion
There is finally an end result to an explosion in the Gulch almost a year-and-a-half ago, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. (See previous coverage: https://castlegarsource.com/news/trail-man-charged-gulch-explosion-drug-seizure )
“On May 25, 2018, the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP responded to a residential explosion and fire located at 459 Rossland Avenue in Trail,” he said. “The 44-year-old male occupant, Justin Owen Van Dusen, was discovered at the scene with serious burns from the explosion, which had originated from the basement of the residence.”
Wicentowich said the house was destroyed due to the explosion and fire.
“The RCMP conducted an investigation into the incident,” he said, adding the police discovered that Van Dusen had been producing cannabis oil in the basement of his residence.
“On Sept. 23, 2019, Justin Van Dussen of Trail, entered a guilty plea in Rossland Provincial Court, and the outcome was as follows:
· Produce a Scheduled Substance (Cannabis Oil) contrary to Section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act – Guilty
· Arson by Negligence contrary to Section 436(1) of the Criminal Code – Guilty
“Van Dussen received a 90-day intermittent jail sentence, an intermittent probation order until the expiration of his sentence, and was ordered to pay restitution of $74.243.24. A 10-year Mandatory Prohibition Order for firearms and weapons was also imposed.”
