The lighting of an apparent bonfire, directly in the middle of the Galloping Goose Trail, resulted in the arrest of two males for arson.
At about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, a motorist waved down a Saanich Police cruiser and advised an officer that there appeared to be a fire on the Galloping Goose Trail near Quadra Street.
Officers attended to the area and located a fire, described as being about four feet in diameter, and fully burning. Two males were standing near the fire, and one of the males was observed throwing a large wooden sign onto the fire before he could be challenged by police.
Both males were noted to be highly intoxicated and were believed to be responsible for setting the fire, which consisted of wooden pallets and wooden signs.
A 24 year old Central Saanich resident, and a 27 year old Esquimalt resident were arrested at the scene and held until such time that they were sober. Both males were released from custody after agreeing to appear in Court in mid-April.
Information has been forwarded to Crown recommending charges of Mischief and Arson against both males. The 27 year old male has one previous conviction for Mischief. The 24 year old has no prior convictions, but has had prior contact with police.
An area of pavement on the trail was damaged as a result of the fire on the section of the pathway between Quadra Street and Saanich Road.
File 2014-3928
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158