RCMP: Arrests after Molotov cocktails thrown at Revelstoke home in early morning arson attack

Revelstoke RCMP say they have arrested two men after Molotov cocktails were thrown at a home in the 1100 block of Fourth Street East in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 6.

Police say the incident happened around 3 a.m.

In a statement, regional RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said that “Molotov style cocktails” were thrown into the home. “An occupant of the residence was home at the time and managed to extinguish the flames, before they could spread further into the home.”

Police say they were investigating the incident and that two men were taken into custody. In a statement, police said the two men had “returned to the arson scene” about one hour after the incident, and were then arrested.

RCMP say the fire department did not attend the incident.

The two men, aged 34 and 36, are described as Revelstoke residents and are in police custody now.

The RCMP said police are continuing to investigate and are being assisted by RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Services. The BC RCMP Southeast District General Investigation Section (SED GIS) and Salmon Arm RCMP GIS is also assisting.

Cpl. O’Donaghey told the Mountaineer that the incident was “isolated and targeted,” adding that RCMP “don’t believe the public is at risk.”

Police have not yet forwarded any recommendations for charges to the prosecution service.

When contacted, nobody at the Revelstoke RCMP detachment was available to answer questions.

Neighbour describes scene

A neighbour at a nearby residence said she was woken up early in the morning by the commotion caused by the arrival of RCMP.

She said that the police lit up the area with spotlights for a couple of hours as they investigated.

The home that was targeted had graffiti on the side and on the fence that had been partially washed off or covered over.

“RCMP is aware this home has been the location of vandalism in the past,” O’Donaghey told the Mountaineer. “Investigators will of course take that into consideration, while they probe the circumstances surrounding this mornings alleged arson.”

Anyone who has additional information is asked to contact Revelstoke RCMP at 250-837-5355.