Mounties looking for suspect after arson fire at Nanaimo dollar store

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person seen leaving a dollar store where a fire took place in March.

The person was seen leaving the Dollarama, located at 609 Bruce Ave, just minutes after a fire was reported inside the business.

The fire caused considerable damage to one section of an aisle, and occurred at about 9 pm on Monday March 29, 2021.

Police and fire crews responded, and investigators were told the store was about to close for the day when an employee notified others that there was a fire in one of the aisles.

The customers were directed out of the business, sprinkler systems were activated, and fire crews were dispatched. The fire, although contained to one aisle, caused extensive damage to the interior of the business.

Investigators were told a man was seen in the immediate area of where the fire was started and had been inside the business for upwards of 15 minutes prior to the fire being reported.

This person was seen leaving the building through the rear door, pushing a shopping cart.

The man is described as being approximately 6 ft. 5, thin build, wearing a red and pink mask and dark clothing. If anyone has information on the identity of this person, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-11254.