Arson suspect caught by citizens

A man was arrested by neighbours after a carriage house was set on fire in Rutland.

The fire just after midnight Friday morning on Galbraith Place damaged the outside of the house, but firefighters were able to put it out before it could damage the inside.

The main residence and carriage house are unoccupied.

Prior to the arrival of the police, local residents stopped and restrained the man they believed to be responsible for setting the fire. When officers arrived, the male was taken into custody.

The suspect has been identified as a 24-year-old Kelowna man, and arson-related charges are pending.

The Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section has assumed conduct of the investigation and is working with the Kelowna Fire Department to gather evidence.

While other fires have been reported in this area, “it is too early to know if the incidents are linked and the same firebug is responsible,” said Cpl. Meghan Foster of the Kelowna RCMP, adding, “Investigators will be looking for linkages between each incident as part of their investigation.

“The quick actions of the public assisted the police in the apprehension of the suspect, and fortunately no one was hurt during the process.”