Two arson fires in as many days have cops seeking public input
By Trail Champion
Two arson fires in Trail last week have not been proven connected, but police indicate they may well be looking for the same suspect in both cases, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
He said the first fire was started in a bathroom at McDonald’s.
“On Jan. 9, 2020, at 5:49 p.m. the Trail and Greater District Detachment responded to an alleged arson at the McDonald’s Restaurant located at 799 Victoria Street in Trail,” Wicentowich said. “An investigation revealed that someone had lit the contents of a garbage can inside the men’s washroom on fire and left the restaurant. The RCMP is currently investigating one possible suspect for the Arson to Property Causing Damage contrary to Section 434 of the Criminal Code.
“The RCMP need help identifying a second male wearing a camouflage jacket and a toque who was in the McDonald’s bathroom on Jan. 9, just before around 5 p.m. when the fire was started. The RCMP would like this witness to contact the Trail and Greater District Detachment at 250-364-2566 as his information may be critical in this matter.”
Another fire the following day has police asking the public to come forward with any information they might have about the incidents.
“On Jan. 10, 2020, at 11:43 p.m. the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP responded to a complaint of a fire in a garbage can in the 900 block of Spokane Street, in Trail. The owner of a business put out the small fire before it caused any damage. The RCMP continue to investigate the matter to determine if it has any links to other fires that have occurred recently in Trail.
“The RCMP would like any witnesses to this incident to contact the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP at 250-364-2566 if they have any information about the incident.
“As the temperatures continue to drop, the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP ask the public to watch out for fires being lit in the downtown core and to report them immediately due to the potential risk of spreading to other structures. The La Nina Emergency Shelter located at 1458 Bay Avenue, in Trail, is open from November to March each year and can accommodate those who need a warm place to stay overnight. In addition, the Salvation Army Church has offered to house people overnight during cold snaps.”
