iN VIDEO: Cyclist may have torched cars in Kelowna parkade

KELOWNA – RCMP have released video footage of what may be a cyclist using gasoline to light cars on fire in a Kelowna parking lot.

Nine cars were destroyed and 11 others damaged in the blaze that was phoned in at about 4:20 a.m. yesterday, Nov. 14, 2018 in the 1900 block or Pandosy Street. The fire forced the evacuation of residents in the nearby apartment building.

“Key video evidence has been gathered from a surveillance camera installed near the scene,” Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a news release. “A full review of the footage has enabled police to deem the blaze an arson.”

O'Donaghey says the video clip shows an unknown individual, associated to a bicycle, as he or she allegedly ignites the blaze.

“RCMP ask all gas stations in the surrounding areas of this fire scene to conduct a review of their transactions in the hours leading up to the massive blaze,” O’Donaghey said. “We are particularly interested in any smaller point of sale purchases, especially those to an individual or individuals who attended the store on foot or on bicycle.”

Anyone with anything that may be of interest to our investigators, is urged to contact Cst. Nathan Nickel of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section at 250-470-6261. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.

%%embed1%%

%%embed2%%

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.