Austin Redhead's case was addressed Friday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Alleged arsonist denied bail

Dec 13, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A man accused of setting multiple vehicles on fire, as well as two people he knew personally, has been denied bail.

Austin Redhead, 31, appeared by video when his case was discussed Friday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court. Over half a dozen members of his family were also present in the courtroom, including two who had driven from Edmonton.

Due to a publication ban, none of the evidence heard during the hour-long hearing can be discussed, nor the judge’s reasons for denying bail.

However, as per legal precedent, the factors that are reviewed in hearings such as this include someone’s potential risk to re-offend, and danger to the public.

Austin Redhead was taking notes throughout the hearing. (Submitted photo)

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In relation to the chain of events that occurred on Nov. 25, Redhead is facing four counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of arson.

At the time of the incident, police issued a statement to the public and explained how at 5:18 p.m., they were first contacted by the Prince Albert Fire Department (PAFD) with a report of a vehicle fire in the 600 block of 18 Street West. When officers arrived, they found one vehicle on fire and another with fire damage.

The investigation determined the fire was man-made and a description of the suspect was provided.

Soon after, police received another report of a male smashing vehicles and attempting to light something on fire in the 900 block of 14th Street West.

The suspect fled the scene prior before police could arrive, but officers found a group of witnesses.

Further investigation revealed that a man started to set another vehicle on fire before being confronted. During the altercation, a gas can was lit on fire, and thrown at the man and woman who lived at the nearby house.

This aerosol can was left in the snow near the couple’s gate. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Both were able to put out the fire within moments and were treated by paramedics for what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Later that evening, officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in the Prince Albert Police parking lot, where a high-risk traffic stop was conducted and Redhead was arrested without further incident.

The case has been adjourned to Dec. 23 for possible election and plea.

When paNOW previously talked to one of the burn victims, they confirmed they were very shaken up over what happened and scared. In the house were three young children, and one of them called 9-1-1.

The couple also confirmed they had spoken with police before the incident about Austin’s mental health and don’t feel they were taken seriously.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell