Arrests made in 2016 White Rock arson that displaced 100, police say
Police in White Rock say they have arrested two men suspected of several arsons that happened in the city more than five years ago, including a blaze that displaced about 100 people and affected the city's water supply.
The crimes happened on May 15, 2016. According to a news release from White Rock RCMP, two men arrested on July 6 of this year are suspected of the "several arsons and other property crimes" that occurred around the city on that date.
The most significant fires were at a multi-family building under construction at 15219 Royal Ave., as well as the adjacent apartment building at 15210 Pacific Ave.
"Known as the ‘Five Corners Fire,’ this arson resulted in a serious risk to life, displaced approximately 100 people from their home, disrupted local businesses, caused millions of dollars in damage, and affected the city’s water quality and supply due to the fire suppression efforts," police said in their news release.
One of the arrested men is from "the local area," while the other is from outside the Lower Mainland, police said. They did not release the men's names, as charges against them have not yet been laid.
The suspects have been released and recommendations for charges will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service, police said.
More than a dozen RCMP detachments and units, as well as 120 police and civilian witnesses contributed to the investigation, according to White Rock RCMP Staff Sgt. Kale Pauls.
"We would like to thank the community and victims of this fire for their patience in awaiting this news," Pauls said in the release. "We are hopeful that the ongoing proceedings will allow for further closure as the details are disclosed in the judicial process.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.