Suspected arson at CN Rail building not connected to protests: RCMP

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – The RCMP says a teenage male was arrested and released with a future court date after a suspected arson at a Canadian National Railway building in northwest British Columbia.

Cpl. Devon Gerrits of the Prince Rupert RCMP says the investigation is ongoing and charges haven’t been laid yet against the youth, who is under 18.

Gerrits says the incident is not associated with protests in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who oppose a pipeline in northern B.C.

He says the Prince Rupert Fire Department called the RCMP around 4:45 p.m. Sunday about a structure fire on Bill Murray Drive close to railway tracks.

Gerrits says no one was injured in the blaze and officers are still speaking with witnesses and collecting evidence including security footage.

CN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2020.