Grande Prairie RCMP have identified a man arrested in early August for several offences. He was taken into custody on August 4th and charged in connection with crimes that occurred between then and August 2nd. However, police couldn’t figure out who he was and reached out to the public for help.
It’s since been determined that he is a U.S. citizen who is in Canada illegally. His name is not being released. It’s also believed the man was the suspect spotted filling up a jerry can with gasoline shortly before a fire was started at the back of a home in the early morning hours of July 24th, as well as a break and enter in Elmworth on August 2nd.
He has been charged with five counts of arson with disregard for human life, break and enter of a residence, mischief, disguise with intent and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime. He’s also charged with trespassing at night, two counts of resisting arrest and two counts of obstructing a police officer.
Under Canadian law, someone can be charged even when their name is in question. It must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.