Police catch suspect, look for witnesses in Penticton arson

Police are asking any witnesses who saw a man lighting fires near Penticton’s Channel Parkway to come forward.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, police and fire crews were called to a fire that had been lit near Eckhardt Avenue and the Channel Parkway.

The witness who called 911 said he saw a man lighting the fire before sprinting south on the Channel Parkway trail wearing all black and carrying a bag.

When police arrived, they saw another fire starting just south of the first one. As they were looking for a suspect, officers heard a man cheering, according to a news release.

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Police said they saw a firefighter pursuing the suspect.

“After a short foot pursuit, officers arrested the suspect. Found on his person was a lighter and balled up paper towel,” Const. James Grandy said in a news release.

The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the incident to contact Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300.