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
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.