A 43-year-old Alberta man is facing numerous charges including arson and assault with a weapon after a Sundre-area home burned down Thursday night.
Emergency crews were called to a blaze along Highway 584, northwest of Sundre, at 9:26 p.m.
When crews arrived, the house was engulfed in flames.
RCMP said Derek LittleJohn was formally charged with 6 criminal charges Saturday.
Police allege he doused the home and a 45-year-old woman inside with gasoline before pouring more on a wood-burning stove and igniting the fire.
The woman, who police said owns the home, was able to escape and take refuge at a neighbouring home where a call was made to 911. She did not suffer any injuries, according to police.
“It’s a very serious incident and we do believe that the intent was to burn the female and of course the house as well. And the lady is extremely fortunate to escape without injury,” Said Sgt. Jim Lank with Sundre RCMP.
Police said LittleJohn and the woman got into a fight. He became upset after being asked to leave and returned shortly with a gas can.
“A short struggle ensued between the accused and the female at which time the woman was able to escape out of the house on foot,” said Sgt. Lank.
Police said the man and woman knew each other.
Mounties found the suspect near the scene of the fire and arrested him.
RCMP said LittleJohn was formally charged with the following:
-Arson – Cause Damage to Property-Arson – Cause Damage to Property Occupied by Other(s)-Criminal Negligence – Reckless Disregard for Life-Assault with Weapon-Forcible Confinement-Breach Probation
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