Initially reported as arson, police now say incident at Abbotsford church a case of mischief
A fire at a Fraser Valley church that was initially described as an arson is now considered a case of mischief, local police say.
In a brief update on the case from earlier this week, the Abbotsford Police Department said investigators came to the conclusion with help from its forensic identification section.
A person of interest has been identified by police, who believe the incident was isolated.
Officers said they believe there is no threat to the public or other places of worship in connection with the fire reported Wednesday evening.
They did not publicly identify the person of interest or provide any details on what led them to believe the fire wasn't an arson. Police also did not say anything about the distinction between the offences.
The Criminal Code definition of mischief as it relates to religious property includes, but is not limited to, a person who destroys or damages property "if the commission of the mischief is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate."
If a person is convicted of an indictable offence, they may be sentenced to a prison term of no more than 10 years.
Arson, under the Criminal Code, includes but is not limited to a person who intentionally or recklessly causes damage to a property by fire or explosion, when the incident causes bodily harm to another person, or when the person knows the property is occupied or is reckless about whether it may be. Penalties vary from less than five years behind bars to life imprisonment.
Police said previously they were called to the Central Heights Church in Abbotsford at around 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze on McCallum Road, and, after surveillance video was viewed by police, a suspect description was made public.
At the time of the fire, the church was closed and no one was inside. The damage was described by police as minimal.
It appears from the APD's assertion that there is no risk to other places of worship that the department may not believe the fire is tied to a growing number of similar cases across Canada.
Churches have been targeted with arson and vandalism in recent weeks, which some have speculated is connected to the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites – though most of those involved have not been arrested.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Andrew Weichel
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.