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Local business targeted in series of arsons: RCMP

FILE - An Alberta RCMP cruiser. (Tom Ross, CityNews Photo) 2022/03/P1120608-scaled.jpg 2022/03/P1120608-scaled.jpg 2022/03/P1120608-scaled.jpg

As Western Canada deals with threatening wildfires, the added worry of arson is unwelcome for businesses in Wood Buffalo.

That’s seemingly the case for The Supplement King, which has two locations in Fort McMurray.

According to Wood Buffalo RCMP, the operation has suffered from a string of reported arsons, five in a little over a year at both their locations.

Sgt. Sabrina Clayton said the latest crime happened at 7:26 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2023, at the Signal Road Location.

“[There was] significant damage to the front of the interior of the business, so dollar amount is not known.”

RCMP asked any witnesses with information, or surveillance camera footage of the 700 block of Signal Road between 6:35 – 7:15 a.m. on the day in question to come forward.

“It’s in a strip mall location, so there was potential for damage to neighbouring businesses in the area due to smoke and water.”

Investigators said they continue to look into several other reported arsons between Oct. 30-31, 2022, and July 6, 2023 at 145 Eagle Ridge Gate.

A 45-year-old man from Fort McMurray has been arrested in connection with one arson at the Eagle Ridge location on June 23, 2023.

The arrest took place on Aug. 4 on charges of Arson, and Break and Enter.

RCMP said the man has been released, but was ordered to appear in court on Aug. 30, 2023.