Police in Prince George are investigating yet another suspected arson that could be connected to escalating gang activity in the northern B.C. city.
RCMP were called to a home in the 2600-block of Quince Street on Friday morning after someone smashed a window and tried to start a fire. No one was hurt.
Police are calling the arson attempt a serious criminal act, and say it could be linked to street gang warfare that cost a disabled woman her life after a fire last month.
Linda Fredin was trapped in her wheelchair when her home was consumed by fire on Nov. 24.
The 56-year-old was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital but passed away on Dec. 3.
Investigators believe the fire may be linked to another blaze at a tattoo shop owned by a gang member -- the boyfriend of Fredin's daughter.
Police say Joey Arrance owned the Twisted Soul Tattoo Shop, which burned down a day before the fire at the house, which he rents.
Arrance is a known member of the Game Tight Soldiers gang. He was in jail at the time of both fires. He is facing multiple firearms charges and one count of sexual assault.
Police say gangs have taken hold of Prince George as they fight to rule the local drug trade. Besides the Game Tight Soldiers, the criminal organizations fighting for supremacy in the city include the Independent Soldiers, the Renegades and a motorcycle gang associated with the Hells Angels.
The city was rated the most dangerous in Canada by Maclean's magazine.
Members of the Uniformed Gang Task Force have visited the city several times in recent months to advise local Mounties on tactics.
