HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — A 22-year-old Sheshatshiu man is in custody after being arrested for an alleged series of arsons on Tuesday about 75 kilometres outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Posts about the man, alleged to be armed and dangerous, were all over social media that morning, with people urging others to stay away from the area of the fires.
According to a news release from the RCMP, the man allegedly committed arson on two cabins and a shed in the area of Edwards Brook on Route 500, the Trans Labrador Highway.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP said it received a report of a cabin fire at about 9 a.m. When officers attended the scene with personnel from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, they learned of two more fires in the area.
A truck, which appeared to be stuck in the mud near one of the burning cabins, was also on fire. RCMP said they believe the fire spread from the burning cabin to the vehicle, which was reported stolen from a commercial property in Sheshatshiu sometime overnight.
“Witnesses observed an unknown man running in the woods and then saw the same man sitting on the side of the road with what looked to be a rifle,” the release said.
Police blocked off the highway and called in the RCMP police dog services. They found the man, who was allegedly in possession of two Airsoft rifles, on the side of the highway and he was taken into custody without incident.
The 22-year-old has been charged with three counts of arson, two counts of break and enter, mischief, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property.
A bail hearing was held Wednesday and he was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Monday.
Fire scene Investigators with Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP and Fire and Emergency Services attended are continuing their investigation. Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP thanked Grey Rock Construction for assistance and support during the police investigation.
