Man arrested in connection to arson fires at two Duncan schools

A 36-year-old Duncan man has been arrested for arson following an investigation into suspicious fires at Drinkwater Elementary School on Jan. 11, and at Ecole Mount Prevost on Jan.15.

According to the RCMP, officers were able to locate and arrest a man in connection to the arson fires on Tuesday.

The suspect has been released on a number of conditions and is expected to appear in provincial court in March.

The man must not come within 200 meters of any school, or possess anything capable of starting a fire.

"We are very grateful for the quick work and through investigation from the North Cowichan / Duncan RCMP," said Candace Spilsbury, Chair of the Board of Education.

"With a suspect identified we know our school communities, and our community at large, can breathe a sigh of relief."

North Cowichan / Duncan police officers are still actively working on these investigations and appreciate any witnesses who can come forward with home surveillance video or dash cam video in the neighbourhoods near Drinkwater Elementary School on Jan. 11 or Jan. 15.