A suspect has been arrested in what is considered an arson at a Richardson Street home last week.
Victoria firefighters responded about 2:45 p.m. Jan. 20 to the home in the 1900-block of Richardson, across from Pemberton Park, and notified police to say the blaze was suspicious.
The house was fully engulfed in flames when police arrived, and wound up extensively damaged despite firefighters’ efforts. The burning was heaviest in the area of the garage door when fire crews got to the scene, and there was considerable smoke.
No one was home at the time.
Victoria police were contacted by Oak Bay police, who told them a suspect had showed up at their station.
Victoria officers went to the station and arrested the suspect, whot was subsequently transported to hospital for a medical assessment, and is being held in custody pending a court appearance.
Acting Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson said the home’s residents would have to stay elsewhere due to the fire damage.
Victoria police are asking for anyone with surveillance footage from the area at the time of the incident to contact them at 250-995-7654, extension 1.
jbell@timescolonist.com
