Elk Valley RCMP has arrested two individuals for criminal harassment, following a series of fires that occurred behind the Greenwood Mall in Sparwood on Feb. 7.
Police, Sparwood Fire Department and B.C Ambulance raced to the scene of a reported vehicle fire at 1:28 a.m. Three cars parked behind the Greenwood Mall were found to have been damaged by flames which appeared to have been deliberately set. The stairwell and deck area of a neighbouring apartment building were also marred.
A 58-year-old man from Fernie and a 53-year-old woman from Sparwood were arrested on Feb. 9 after police searched video surveillance from both communities. Their cell phones were suspended, and their vehicle was seized in order to preserve evidence of arson located inside.
They have not been formally charged by B.C Crown Counsel yet and the investigation is ongoing. Police, however, believe the fires are related and involve these suspects.
RDEK Fire Commissioner Dave Boreen and Sparwood Fire Chief Sheldon Tennant provided valuable assistance in the investigation. RCMP Victim Services is supporting residents impacted by the fire.
A witness has told police that they saw two men drive up to the scene in a blue truck and attempt to alert the people inside the apartment building that was on fire. The pair left when Sparwood Fire Department arrived at the scene. Police would like them to contact Elk Valley RCMP.
Police are currently seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with dash cam footage from 1 to 2 a.m on Feb. 7. or anyone who saw a 2012 silver 4-door Ford Fiesta in the downtown area that was travelling towards Fernie shortly after the incident, should call 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer or BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) to report anonymously.