Police searching for arson suspect in Elmwood church fire

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.

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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.