Carberry RCMP have arrested a Brandon man in connection with several recent arson fires at a food plant in the RM of North Cypress.
On December 7, 2010, just before 10pm, Carberry RCMP and Fire Department were dispatched a fire at the McCain Foods Plant located in the RM of North Cypress, Manitoba, about 1 km south of Carberry.
The main fire was contained to a small room in the storage area of the plant. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished resulting in about $5000 damage. Upon further examination of the plant, police and fire personnel discovered 3 other unrelated fires burning in other areas of the large storage compound. The damage incurred is minimal and these fires were also extinguished.
Investigation revealed that between November 10, 2010, and December 7, 2010, the plant had been victim to 20 fires in the oil filer paper boxes of the potato processing lines. Another intentionally set fire was discovered in the Cooking oil room, where an over flow pipe had been lite on fire and an oil valve left open for approximately 90 minutes. This resulted in the loss of approximately 2900 gallons of cooking oil, valued at almost $3000.
Carberry RCMP have arrested and charged 36-year-old James Shea Stewart of Brandon, Manitoba with 25 counts of arson and 1 count of mischief under $5000. Stewart was released on a promise to appear in Brandon Court on February 14, 2011.
The investigation continues.
Cpl. A. Jarrid St-Pierre
Carberry RCMP Detachment
204-834-2905
