UPDATE: Vernon man charged with arsons submitted photos to news outlets

HOME UNDER POLICE GUARD

VERNON – Police have arrested and laid a series of arson charges against a Vernon man with a pattern of showing up at fires and accident scenes. 

Following a rash of unsolved arsons during the summer of 2014, Vernon RCMP announced today, June 3, they have arrested a man they believe responsible for four of them.

William Munton, 55, of Vernon was arrested on Wednesday, June 1 and charged in connection with four incidents, including setting fire to a Chevrolet Lumina minivan, a new home under construction on Hofer Drive, a duplex under construction on 41 Avenue and a trailer belonging to the Go Kart Association.

Munton has contributed numerous photos of fires and car crashes to local news outlets over the past couple of years. His occupation is unconfirmed. 

“It is the dedicated efforts of several investigators over the past two years that has resulted in charges being laid,” RCMP Supt. Jim McNamara says in a media release.

Munton has been released on bail set at $5,000 and is due back in court July 14. As part of his release conditions, Munton is banned from having fuel, lighters, matches or other incendiary devices in his possession. He has also bene ordered not to have contact with an individual named Jordan James Holcroft. According to court records, Holcroft was charged with attempting to obstruct justice.

The offence is dated June 2, 2016. 

In 2014, Vernon experienced a rash of arsons, where targets ranged from dumpsters and vehicles to boats and buildings.

Police continue to investigate and say it’s likely additional charges of arson will be forwarded for approval against those responsible.

Meanwhile, Investigators remain posted outside of Munton's home at the corner of 33 Street and 23 Avenue due to the possibility of completing a search of the property in connection to the ongoing arson investigations. 

Anyone with information with respect to the arson cases or any other investigations are asked to contact the Vernon RCMP non-emergency line at 250-545-7171 or via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

— This story was updated at 3:51 p.m. to include information about Munton's release conditions

— This story was updated at 3:03 p.m. to include additional information about Munton's appearances at local emergencies

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