Whitehorse RCMP, in partnership with Whitehorse Fire and Protective Services, is investigating a suspicious fire that occurred on May 23, 2023. One person has been arrested and charged related to the investigation.
On May 23 at approximately 5:00 a.m., general duty officers and the fire department were called to a residence on fire in the Takhini neighbourhood of Whitehorse, near Range Road and Mountainview Drive. Police provided scene security while Whitehorse Fire and Protective Services extinguished the fire. Thankfully, there were no injures to residents or their pets, neighbours, or first responders and the fire did not spread to other nearby homes or buildings.
Related to this investigation, one person has been charged. Emon Williams, age 24 of Calgary, Alberta, was arrested on May 24, 2023, and had a first appearance later that day. He is charged with the following offences:
- Arson – disregard for human life, contrary to section 433(a) Criminal Code;
- Arson – damage to property, contrary to section 434 Criminal Code;
- Wearing a mask in the commission of an indictable offence, contrary to section 351(2) Criminal Code.
Mr. Williams was released by the courts with strict conditions and pending future court appearances.
Police have also executed a search warrant on a vehicle that was seized at the time of Mr. Williams' arrest, and is believed to be associated to this incident. Investigators with Whitehorse RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) appreciate collaboration with Whitehorse Fire Department investigators during the scene examination.
"Calls like this demonstrate the value of our partnerships with other first responders in Whitehorse," says Cpl. Brent Edwards, from the Whitehorse RCMP GIS. "During the initial response to the fire and the subsequent investigation, teamwork with Whitehorse Fire and Protective Services greatly contributed to keeping the public safe and furthering our investigation."
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Whitehorse RCMP at 867- 667-5551. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 867-667-6715 or online at www.crimestoppersyukon.ca.