Nanaimo RCMP have arrested one teenage suspect after a fire, sparked by a flare, broke out in a Circle K convenience store on Saturday evening.
According to a press release issued on Monday by RCMP, officers said that at approximately 4:30 pm on May 3, they stopped by a home in south Nanaimo and arrested a 16-year-old without incident that they had linked to the fire. Authorities added that the teenager is currently in police custody as an investigation into the flare fire continues.
Police opened up an investigation after two teens allegedly started a fire with a “single tube flare” inside the Circle K store at the Petro-Canada gas station on Departure Bay road shortly after 9 pm.
#Nanaimo RCMP say they arrested one of the two teens at a home yesterday who is accused of starting the Circle K convenience store fire Saturday night @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/ZdoOKK6JwX
— Kendall Hanson (@Kendall_Hanson) May 4, 2020
Firefighters managed to put the fire out quickly and no one was injured, but the store suffered extensive water, fire and smoke damage.
In an initial release posted Sunday, Nanaimo RCMP said the two suspected teenagers entered the store, selected a few items, and before leaving, one fired the tube flare in the direction of a store employee.
The flare ignited merchandise and forced the employee out of the store and caused extensive damage to the building, according to police.
“This was a reckless and extremely dangerous act that has significantly impacted a local business, traumatized the clerk and could have resulted in significant personal injury to the employee,” Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP media spokesperson, said in a press release.
RCMP have identified both suspects, who are 16, through security footage but have not been able to locate them.
Speaking to CHEK News, O’Brien said the teens are both known to police.
“They’re both known to us. They’re 16 years of age and we’re currently looking for them,” he said, adding. “The clerk was obviously traumatized and our victim services are assisting with him and the investigation is continuing.”
Katidja Zaidi, a witness who managed to capture the fire on video, said its alarming that teens would consider starting a fire near a gas station.
“That’s scary to think that two kids would think that putting a fire next to a gas station would be a good idea,” Zaidi said.
The store which is normally open 24/7 is now closed indefinitely.
With files to Kendall Hanson
CHEK News
