Lethbridge police have charged a 45-year-old woman in connection with two fires set early Thursday at a downtown property.
Police said officers responded at around 6:30 a.m. on March 5 to a report of a woman trespassing at the Melcor Centre in the 200 block of 4 Avenue S.
Security staff told police the woman was known to them, had previously been issued a trespassing notice, and was legally prohibited from attending the property.
Officers found the woman inside a garbage compactor near the building’s loading dock. She exited the compactor and was arrested.
A short time later, flames and smoke were seen coming from the compactor. The fire grew quickly, and crews with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services extinguished it.
While firefighters were on scene, police said they found evidence that a second fire had been set behind a compost bin about five metres from the compactor. The brick wall next to the bin was stained with black residue, and firefighters ensured the flames were fully extinguished.
Police said the fires were close to the building, as well as a parkade where staff were present. During a search following the arrest, officers seized two lighters.
The woman is charged with two counts of arson with disregard for human life and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order. She was remanded in custody and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
