Police in Kelowna make arrest after fires on Knox Mountain

Following a series of fires on Knox Mountain, a park in the north of the city, police in Kelowna arrested a suspect.

Kelowna RCMP say they arrested a 48-year-old male suspect on Friday after officers were called to a construction area close to the base of Knox Mountain.

Allegedly, the man was dressed in full camouflage, using a slingshot to target construction workers and surveillance equipment.

According to police, witnesses saw the suspect lighting fires and attempting to spread flames using vegetation.

“Due to dry conditions and shifting winds, the fires spread rapidly, which put the numerous hikers, bikers, and residents in the area at risk,” said police in a statement.

Before the fire grew into a larger forest fire, the Kelowna Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the flames.

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the RCMP, the Kelowna Fire Department, and Bylaw officers, the suspect was apprehended quickly,” Kelowna RCMP added.

The suspect, Robert Austin Teal, is charged with arson and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon.

His first court appearance was scheduled for Saturday, and he is expected to reappear on Thursday.

The police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone who has witnessed the incident to contact the Kelowna RCMP non-emergency line at 250-762-3300.