A Castlegar man has been charged with break and enter following an investigation into a Genelle arson fire.
On Nov. 30, at 3 a.m., first responders were called to a suspicious house fire in the 500 block of 16th Avenue in Genelle.
Homeowners were inside sleeping when the fire began, but police report that both occupants managed to escape without physical injury.
Officers investigated the cause of the fire and suspected it was intentionally set.
During the course of the investigation, police reportedly discovered that a Castlegar man, 29, had allegedly broken into the residence on two previous occasions and attempted to steal items.
The man was known to the homeowners.
On Dec. 1, Riley Jackson was criminally charged with two counts of break and enter.
“Trail and Greater District and Castlegar RCMP are aware about community concerns regarding fires in the Castlegar and Genelle communities over the last few months,” said Trail RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Mike Wicentowich in a statement.
The RCMP are taking this situation very seriously due to the risk to the public, he added.
“A number of incidents are still under investigation and being reviewed by Crown Counsel at this time.”
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