FIRE – Suspect in custody charged with two counts of arson in alleyway fires

A Kamloops man is scheduled to appear in court today (May 2, 2023), after he was arrested this weekend and charged with arson.

On April 30, 2023, around 6:45 p.m., Kamloops RCMP were called to the 1000-block of Lethbridge Avenue where Kamloops Fire and Rescue had responded to two fires in an alleyway: one between Lethbridge Avenue and Sherbrook; the other between 10th and 11th streets. Residents in the area sprayed the fires with garden hoses while KFR was en route. A fence and garbage container were damaged.

“Officers attended and as part of the investigation, a suspect was identified and arrested nearby on Selkirk Avenue,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

“He was held in custody for a bail hearing Monday evening and remanded until his next court appearance, scheduled for today.”

Owen Lee Coty, 26, of Kamloops, is charged with two counts of arson.

Anyone who witnessed, has video, or information related to this investigation and has not yet shared it with police, is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-14853.