Alleged Edmonton arsonist on America’s Most Wanted list

EDMONTON – The list of America’s Most Wanted now includes at least one Canadian.

An alleged Edmonton arsonist believed to be on the lam in the United States was profiled by the popular show earlier this month.

Christopher David Meer, who faces charges of arson, extortion and conspiracy, among others, was described by the program as a “ladies’ man” whose “distinct Canadian accent” should make him easy to spot.

Police believe Meer fled to the United States in 2007. He’s a suspect in a series of Molotov cocktail attacks that year that destroyed at least two homes – one in Pigeon Lake, the other in Edmonton.

The attacks were allegedly part of a larger plot to extort money from a business associate of Meer’s father, Jonathan David Meer.

The elder Meer was arrested and charged with extortion and arson with disregard for human life in May 2008. He’s currently awaiting trial. Three other men were charged in the case; two have since pleaded guilty.

Edmonton police reached out to America’s Most Wanted to help track the younger Meer about a year ago, one of the officers on the case said Tuesday.

“We came at them with the approach that we were asking a favour of them and they treated it quite the opposite,” said Det. Rob Paton. “They were very pleased that they could do it for us.”

The show aired Saturday in the States, and Paton said tips have already started coming in.

“I believe we are very close on this,” he said.

The American profile included new details on the case that Patton would not confirm.

According to the program Meer headed to Arizona after crossing the border and may have since fled to Mexico, Texas or Costa Rica.

In an online fugitive profile, the show described Meer as “a rumoured ladies’ man” who “likes to hit evening hot spots, such as night clubs and lounges.” They added that “Meer has a distinct Canadian accent and should be fairly noticeable.”

rwarnica@thejournal.canwest.com