Oakbank RCMP have arrested a man from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, in connection to a recent arson incident that occurred in the RM of Springfield.
On February 27, 2013, at about 2am, while investigating an abandoned vehicle in the RM of Springfield, Oakbank RCMP observed a residence on fire. Officers gained entry to the home to ensure there were no occupants and were forced back by the heat and smoke. It was later determined that the owners were not in the residence at the time of the fire.
While firefighters worked to contain the blaze, police discovered footprints leading away from the scene. The RCMP Police Service Dog attended to follow the track and located a male hiding in a heavily wooded area near the location.
RCMP report that 52-year-old Michael Ian Strachan of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, has been charged with a number of offences including arson and damage to property.
The home was completely destroyed by the fire and a damage estimate is not yet available. Police continue to investigate with the assistance of the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner.
