Kelowna RCMP have a man in custody following a suspicious, overnight house fire in Rutland.
Just after midnight, police were called to the 800 block of Galbraith Place where visible flames were seen on the outside wall of the two storey, double garage, carriage home.
Prior to the arrival of the police, local residents stopped and restrained the man they believed to be responsible for the fire, effecting a citizen’s arrest. When officers arrived, the man was taken into custody.
While RCMP have not released the name of the suspect, he has been identified as a 24-year-old Kelowna resident and arson related charges are pending. The investigation into the fire is ongoing.
“While there have been other fires reported in this area, it is too early to know if the incidents are linked and the same firebug is responsible. Investigators will be looking for linkages between each incident as part of their investigation,” said Cpl. Meghan Foster.
“The quick actions of public assisted the police in the apprehension of the suspect and fortunately no one was hurt during the process.”