ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — When an incident like a firebombing happens in your neighbourhood, it makes you worry, and residents of Chafe Avenue are concerned someone could be seriously hurt.
“It’s a sign of the times … and it’s only going to get worse,” said George Hurley, who has lived in Shea Heights for 47 years, most of his life.
In the early morning hours on Monday, around 2 a.m., a person or group of people reportedly kicked in the front door of a house and threw a flaming container of fuel inside, igniting that area of the house.
The RNC, the St. John’s Regional Fire Department and ambulances responded to the scene.
Four people were inside the house at the time — an older man and woman, and a younger man and woman — and all escaped. One of the men was taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
The inside of the house was extensively damaged. Police are investigating, but no arrests have been made and there's been no suggestion that anyone in the house is linked to any criminal activity.
The violent act came as a shock to many people who live on the street.
“A lot has happened up here over the years, but now there’s violence involved,” said Hurley, adding that the provincial government should take additional measures to look at the problems that lead to crime.
Arlene MacDonald, who has lived in the community her entire life — more than 50 years — said it’s the first time something as serious as a firebombing has happened there.
“Things are usually pretty quiet up here,” MacDonald said. “I always considered this to be the best place to live. It had a bad name, but people up here are nice. There’s a nice vibe up here.
“This (firebombing) is very dangerous stuff.”
A man who lives in a nearby apartment building said crime in the city is getting out of hand.
“Things are changing so much. It’s a different world we live in. It’s crazy,” he said. “They’re into some hard shit these days and (incidents like firebombings) is what comes along with it.”
RNC Const. James Cadigan told The Telegram Tuesday that investigators are calling the incident suspicious and believe it was targeted.
He said the investigation is in its early stages.
Officers are asking residents with outside security cameras or car dash cameras to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Anonymous information can also be left on the NL Crime Stoppers website at nlcrimestoppers.com.
— With files from Telegram photojournalist Keith Gosse
Twitter: @TelyRosie
