Police searching for arson suspect in Elmwood church fire
Posted August 27, 2023 11:16 am.
Last Updated August 27, 2023 11:18 am.
Winnipeg police are turning to the public for help in identifying a suspect they believe deliberately set three fires in Elmwood last week, including one that ultimately destroyed a church.
The Winnipeg Police Service’s major crimes unit says a first fire was set at the church at the corner of Tweed and Watt Street Tuesday around 1:45 a.m. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews managed to get the fire under control.
Police allege a fire was deliberately set at the same church the following morning at 5 a.m. While crews also managed to control the blaze, the structure partially collapsed and the church needed to be demolished.
A firefighter was injured and was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Police say another fire was set Tuesday around 2:10 a.m. – at an outdoor shed at Harbison Avenue near Roch Street.
The WFPS reported the three fires to police; the major crimes unit assumed the investigations as possible arsons.
Investigators believe the same suspect is linked to all three fires. He is described as between 45-55 years old, between five-foot-seven and five-foot-11, with an average build and balding with a full grey or black beard.
Winnipeg police release surveillance images of suspect they believe is linked to three fires in Elmwood in August 2023. (Submitted by: Winnipeg Police Service)
