On January 19, 2016 at 10:15PM Saanich Police and Saanich Fire attended Reynolds Secondary School, located in the 3900 Block of Borden St, for a report of arson.
An alert School District 61 Facilities employee was working in the school and noted the strong odour of smoke inside the school. The employee investigated further and discovered a gas can on fire just outside the exit doors, which face the field on McKenzie Ave. The employee managed to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and also saw the doors themselves had been lit on fire however the fire was already out.
The Saanich Police Forensic Identification Section attended along with Saanich Fire Investigators. Forensic Investigators have documented the scene and have collected forensic evidence.
“Investigators from both our Detective Division and Forensic Investigation Unit are actively working on this matter” A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie said. “Clearly this fire was intentionally set and luckily no one was injured and the damage was kept minimal due to the actions of the School District Employee”.
Saanich Police ask if you see suspicious actively to contact Police immediately. Get the best description of the suspect as possible and, if the suspect leaves, get the last known direction of travel.
If you have any information about this arson please contact the Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
SPD File: 2016-01499
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie #228