A man was recently arrested for four arsons in Victoria, though the police chief has confirmed that he is not believed to be connected to the Ricky’s or heritage building fires.
Within a few months, there were six arsons in the same area of Victoria and Saanich.
Victoria police recently charged Edwin Singh, 42, with four counts of arson in relation to the June 23 vehicle fire at a rental business in the 2500-block of Government Street, the July 12 fire in a business loading area in the 2300-block of Government Street, the July 12 vehicle fire at a car dealership in the 2500-block of Government Street, and the Aug. 16 fire in a loading zone in the 700-block of Tolmie Avenue in Saanich.
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However, at the time of his arrest, VicPD said the arsons at Ricky’s All Day Grill and 2531 Government St. were still under investigation, but did not say if it was believed that Singh was connected to those.
Speaking to Victoria council earlier this week, Del Manak, VicPD’s chief, confirmed Singh is not believed to be connected.
“We do not believe that this individual is connected to the arsons that you speak about,” Manak said, in response to a question from Coun. Jeremy Caradonna about the Ricky’s and 2531 Government St. fires.
“We’re still carrying on with this investigation. Obviously, the concern is if this arsonist is going to strike again and what building it could be.”
Laura Brougham
