‘The damage could have been worse’: Teens arrested after Little Libraries in Coquitlam, PoCo set on fire
Posted July 17, 2019 12:00 pm.
Last Updated July 17, 2019 12:01 pm.
COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) – Two teens have been arrested in connection with a number of small fires at community book exchange boxes in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
Several Little Libraries were apparently set on fire between March 20th and May 18th, Mounties said, adding the majority of these incidents happened late at night or very early in the morning.
“The community told us that these 11 fires were a serious concern so we assigned Coquitlam RCMP’s Arson Unit to the case,” Coquitlam RCMP Corporal Michael McLaughlin said on Wednesday. “We’ve used a lot of resources including surveillance, search warrants, production orders, and cooperation from our city partners at both Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.”
Related video: More Little Library fires in Port Coquitlam
After some help from the community, a 19-year-old and 17-year-old were arrested, McLaughlin said.
“…a tip from the public put us over the top and directly led to these charges.”
The two teens — who are each facing a single charge of arson causing damage to property — have since been released on a Promise to Appear in court this October.
A number of these Little Libraries were found near homes and greenspaces, McLaughlin said, adding damage from these fires could have been much worse had it not been for the cooperation from the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam fire departments.
More charges are possible, and Mounties are hoping to speak with anyone who has more information about these fires. You can contact the RCMP at 604.945.1150 and ask for the Arson Unit. You’re asked to quote file # 2019-9080.
