A Delta Police officer is being credited for their quick actions in stopping a fire from spreading near a restaurant in North Delta.
DPD said in a Tuesday morning news release that on Feb. 1, the officer observed a fire in the disposal shed of a local restaurant.
“The officer’s quick reaction not only stopped the fire from spreading to the building, but her response also resulted in the suspect being located and arrested,” said A/Insp. James Sandberg. “The officer requested Delta Fire Department assistance to extinguish the fire and then went to work to identify the fire’s cause. Her investigation led to CCTV footage of a suspicious male entering the disposal area before the fire started, and leaving the area as the fire’s intensity began to grow. Other officers located the same male in the area and arrested him without incident.”
Sandberg said follow-up investigation determined that a similar fire occurred at the same location a day prior and that the same suspect was seen on CCTV footage at that time as well.
No injuries occurred because of these arsons.
“Without the officer’s observation, this fire could easily have spread to the main restaurant building, immediately adjacent to the disposal area,” he said. “Occupied with staff, this fire endangered lives.”
The suspect has been released on an Undertaking by officers. Two charges of arson have been recommended. The suspect is a 59-year-old male of no fixed address, who frequents the area of the fire.
