A garage and two vehicles were destroyed as a result of a fire May 31 in the 800 block of 17th St. W. (Facebook/ Devin Dubois)

By Nigel Maxwell

Arson investigation

Police nab suspected arsonist

Jun 16, 2020 | 2:00 PM

A 23-year-old man is facing numerous arson charges in connection to recent fires in Prince Albert, at six separate properties.

Jared Custer made his first court appearance Monday and was remanded to June 22.

The extensive investigation involved patrol members and investigators with the Integrated Crime Reduction Team.

There have been close to a dozen fires in the west flat area over the past three weeks.

“The investigation still continues but certainly the accused has been charged in relation to six of the arsons that have happened in recent weeks across that area,” police spokesperson Charlene Tebbutt said.

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The fires occurred between the dates of May 18 and June 10 and involved three vacant homes, two detached garages, two sheds and three vehicles.

This abandoned house in the 900 block of 18th. St. W. was set ablaze on May 18. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

The locations of the fires include the 900 block of 18^th St. W., 900 block of 15^th St. W., 1400 block of 16^th St. W., 800 block of 17^th St. W. and the 800 block of 16^th Street West.

Damage to the properties is estimated to be at least $23,000.

Firefighters battle a blaze on May 18 in the 900 block of 15th St. W. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

In a previous article, Ward 1 Councilor Charlene Miller expressed her concern about the fires. On Tuesday, after hearing news about the arrest, Miller said she is relieved.

“I heard from about six people and they were quite concerned and a little nervous about the situation. Now I am going to call them back today and tell them he’s been [charged],” she said.

In addition to the six arson charges, Custer is also charged with mischief in relation to an incident May 20 involving damage to a vehicle.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell