A suspected arsonist has been charged with targeting the same Richmond home twice in two days.
Maximino Dauz is alleged on March 29 to have set fire to a garage door of a home in the 9,000 block of Auburn Drive, in the South Arm neighbourhood.
According to police, the homeowner was able to extinguish the fire, which resulted in moderate damage to his residence.
But two days later, Dauz is alleged to have returned to the home and thrown a “Molotov cocktail” inside.
The homeowner, say police, found the explosive device but, fortunately, it failed to ignite.
Suspect showed up on video
In reviewing video surveillance, Richmond Mounties spotted who they believed to be the same individual approaching the residence and committing the alleged offences.
The man was ultimately identified, quickly arrested, and held in custody.
The BC Prosecution Service has since approved 10 charges against Dauz, including arson, arson causing property damage and mischief endangering life. He was remanded and remains in custody.
“Fortunately, no one was injured but the sheer lack of regard for human life and wanton destruction of property in these alleged offences is frightening,” said Insp. Michael Cohee, officer-in-charge, Richmond RCMP Operations Support.
“…our investigators were able to identify and quickly arrest this suspect before something even worse happened.”
The investigation, added police, remains active and ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
