Urgent: Man Arrested for Arson After Three Fires in Two Hours

UPDATE: A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of arson after a shocking series of fires engulfed three businesses in Prince Albert within just two hours yesterday morning. This alarming incident unfolded starting at 9:20 a.m., when police were alerted to a fire at a business located in the 1600 block of 2nd Ave. W.

Authorities report that the suspect ignited the wheel of a parked vehicle, prompting an immediate police response. Just two hours later, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the 7-Eleven on 2nd Ave. W. also became a target. Witnesses say the suspect set a shelf ablaze inside the convenience store, leading to a swift response from both police and fire crews.

The chaos continued shortly after 11:30 a.m., when emergency services were dispatched to a third business on the 2500 block of 2nd Ave. W. Here, staff managed to extinguish a fire ignited by the suspect using a rag before firefighters arrived.

Police quickly connected the dots between these incidents and located the suspect at a separate business on the 2900 block of 2nd Ave. W. He was arrested on the scene, where officers discovered a lighter in his possession. The man has yet to be publicly identified, but faces serious charges, including arson, break and enter, and arson with disregard for life.

The investigation into the fire at the 7-Eleven is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact the Prince Albert police at 306-953-4222 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

This developing situation raises significant concerns about public safety and the potential for further incidents. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.