A Trail family can rest a little easier now that the person who allegedly tried to set their house on fire is sitting in jail.
Police have linked the incident to another violent crime spree that occurred within the same time period, the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 22.
The 25-year old man, known to police, was taken into custody within hours of the alleged crimes.
Acting RCMP Sgt. Darryl Orr confirmed with the Trail Times on Wednesday, that charges are being recommended for the same suspect arrested last week following a separate arson in Shaver’s Bench.
“There have been charges recommended against that individual,” Orr said. “It’s the same person that was in custody for previous incidents, that has been additionally charged with Break and Enter and Arson regarding the home (in the Gulch).”
He added, “We have evidence that supports our belief that he is involved.”
Angela and Jarrod Lamoureux were asleep upstairs when the suspect entered their home with a Jerry can of used accelerant and attempted to light their kitchen floor and table on fire.
The only saving grace is that their three children were away visiting relatives when the crime occurred.
Angela says the arrest will somewhat help the family settle back in.
“I will need to be able to tell my kids something,” she began. “That the stranger who committed this act of violence, who nearly took our safe space and potentially our lives from us, is behind bars getting the help they need,” she added.
“They are afraid to come home … it’s my job to reclaim their safe space and make it home again. Knowing it’s not going to happen again will go a long way with that.”
The Trail man was scheduled to appear in Rossland Provincial Court on Wednesday. His name will not be released until official charges are sworn in by the Crown.
In addition to arson, the man is facing assault charges related to his Aug. 22 alleged crimes - one victim is an elderly male who remains in serious condition in hospital.
Charges include Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Uttering Threats to cause death or bodily harm, Obstruction of a Police Officer and Break And Enter with intent to commit an offence.