The driver of a vehicle that was seen leaving the scene of a structure fire at the old Porteau Boys Camp on the weekend was arrested on suspicion of arson.
On Saturday (Jan. 22) at 2:30 p.m., Squamish RCMP received a report of a building on fire at the camp, which is about one kilometre south of Porteau Cove Provincial Park, just off Highway 99, RCMP Staff Sgt. Guy Pollock said in a statement.
A witness told police that a male had been seen getting into a vehicle that was then driven toward the highway. Britannia Beach Fire Department and RCMP officers responded, and a police officer located and stopped the vehicle as it left the property, Pollock said.
"Circumstances associated [with] the stop led police to gather and support grounds to arrest the driver for arson," Pollock said.
The man was brought to the Squamish detachment and a hearing took place before a Justice of the Peace, who ordered the male to be held in police custody. A search of the vehicle turned up evidence placing the male at the fire scene, Pollock said.
The investigation is ongoing. Those with information about this matter or other suspicious activity, is asked to phone Squamish RCMP at (604) 892-6100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Rocks fall on highway
Last Tuesday (Jan. 18), Squamish Traffic Services responded to a report of a rockslide four kilometres past the Salt Sheds on Highway 99 in the Cheakamus Canyon. Two vehicle-sized boulders had fallen onto the edge of the road with other, smaller boulders on the travelling portion of the highway, Pollock said. One vehicle had hit the rocks, sustaining damage to its oil pan and fuel tank. Miller Capilano workers cleared the rocks off the road.
Van stolen
Police are investigating the apparent theft of a 1990 Ford Econo van last Tuesday, Jan. 18. The vehicle went missing after having been parked overnight on Fourth Avenue. The van - B.C. licence plates BTO 541 - is tan-coloured with its rear windows painted white.
Car, truck collide
On Thursday (Jan. 20) at 7:30 a.m., police attended a report of a jackknifed semi-truck and trailer on Highway 99 south of Murrin Park. Police officers believe a southbound car, travelling in slushy conditions, had swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid striking cars in its lane and that the northbound transport truck struck the car. The car's driver was ticketed for driving too fast for conditions, which carries a fine of $176. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.
Apparent assailant arrested
On Thursday at 9:40 a.m., police received a report of loud banging from a neighbour's residence on Buckley Avenue. Officers responded and spoke to the couple, during which it appeared that a domestic assault had occurred. The woman had minor injuries, Pollock said. The man was arrested and later released with conditions on a promise to appear in court.
Woman injured
A woman who had been involved in an argument with a man in downtown Squamish on the weekend suffered self-inflicted injuries after being arrested on Sunday (Jan. 23) at around 11:30 p.m., Pollock said. Responding to multiple reports of a loud argument at Second Avenue and Pemberton, police arrived to find an intoxicated man and woman. When officers arrived the woman continued to yell and was belligerent with police, Pollock said. She was arrested for causing a disturbance. After she was put inside the police car, she began hitting her head against the rear-seat barrier. She was taken to Squamish General Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Business broken into
A break-in and theft at a business on Cleveland Avenue is prompting police to urge residents and business owners to take steps to prevent similar break-ins in the future. The incident, which apparently occurred the previous evening, was reported to police on Sunday (Jan. 23) at 8:30 a.m. A rock was used to smash a glass door and a donation box full of change was stolen.
Pollock urged residents and business owners to take all necessary steps to make their property less inviting to criminals, including the installation of security devices and better lighting.
