Mischief to beach art in Colwood

On July 15 2024, at approximately 7:00 a.m., West Shore RCMP responded to a call from the Colwood Fire Department of a male who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis and had started a beach fire at the Esquimalt Lagoon.

West Shore RCMP Frontline officers attended the area and were notified by a witness that the suspect had also set fire to the mammoth statue at Royal Bay Beach and had departed the area on foot. The male was reportedly in possession of a hatchet.

Officers were able to locate and arrest the 41-year-old suspect a short distance from the fire scene.
Witnesses told officers that the suspect had also damaged a set of stairs and a second wooden art statue with the hatchet. A hatchet was located and seized by police near the arrest location.

The suspect is being held in police custody to attend court this afternoon. Police are recommending charges of:

1. Arson Causing Damage to Property - Sec. 434 Criminal Code;
2. Mischief over $5000 - Sec. 430(3) Criminal Code.

The damage is estimated to be worth approximately $30,000-$40,000.