Penticton police arrest suspected arsonist

PENTICTON – Police and firefighters chased down an arson suspect on the Channel Parkway trail in Penticton yesterday.

The Penticton RCMP and fire department were called to a report of a fire near Eckhardt Avenue and the Channel Parkway at around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 12, according to an RCMP media release.

While authorities were on the way to the fire, a witness who called it in stated he saw a man light the fire, police say. The witness then advised 911 dispatch the man was running south on the west side of the Channel Parkway trail. He was described as wearing all black and carrying a bag.

Officers saw another fire starting nearby, just south of the first one. While patrolling the area for the suspect, police overheard a man cheering. They then saw a firefighter pursue the man on foot. After a short chase police arrested the suspect.

Police found a lighter and balled up paper towel on his person.

“At this time, the suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. The RCMP is requesting anyone who may have observed this incident to call the Penticton RCMP,” Const. James Grandy says in the release.

The Penticton RCMP can be reached at 250-492-4300.

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