Castlegar man charged with arson

The Castlegar RCMP along with the Castlegar Fire Department have responded to a volume of suspicious fires that are believed to have been deliberately set in Castlegar parks, forested areas, and on one occasion inside the bathroom of a local business. In one of these investigations a 28-year-old Castlegar man has been officially charged in relation to a fire which occurred on June 4th, 2023.

On June 5th, 2023 a local downtown Castlegar business called RCMP to report wooden pallets behind their business appeared to have been recently burnt. In a review of surveillance footage on June 4th a lone suspect, later identified as Riley Jackson, was observed to light the pallet and a piece of cardboard on fire before leaving the fire to burn unattended. Fortunately the building was constructed of brick and the fire self extinguished before spreading further to the pallets or nearby brush. Though damage was minimal Mr. Jackson’s actions posed a great risk to property and the public. Mr. Jackson was subsequently arrested by Castlegar RCMP and released to later appear in Castlegar Court.

On July 15th, 2023 Castlegar RCMP observed Mr. Jackson breaching his bail conditions. He was again arrested and brought before the Provincial Courts for a bail hearing. Mr. Jackson was released on bail to next appear July 26th, 2023 in the Castlegar Provincial Court.