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Arrest made after attempt to burn resort sign
Elk Valley and Cranbrook RCMP detachments combined to track down and arrest a man for arson after an attempt to burn a Fernie Alpine Resort sign recently.
On June 1 at 6:08 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP was notified by the Fernie Fire Department of an incident of arson to the Fernie Alpine Resort sign beside Highway 3 near the intersection with Fernie Ski Hill Road.
RCMP attended and the fire was extinguished with little damage due to quick action by bystanders with a shovel and with the assistance of the Fire Department. A witness had waited at the scene to speak with the police.
An identified male was near the sign when flames at the bottom of the sign extended up approximately 10 feet. The witness yelled out for the male to stop but the male ran toward a black Ford Focus and drove off on Highway 3 southbound.
The male returned driving past the scene and into Fernie but somewhere turned around and headed toward Cranbrook.
Cranbrook RCMP intercepted the vehicle and driver was arrested for arson as well as was handed a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition. The driver’s vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Before the vehicle was towed away, Cranbrook RCMP searched the vehicle and located a lighter and partially full jerry can of gas that was seized from the passenger seat directly beside the driver’s seat.
Elk Valley RCMP would like thank all the bystanders and the Fernie Fire Department for its quick response to this incident.
The arrested male will be appearing in court on September 5.
Elk Valley RCMP photos
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