Closed Canadian Tire in Red Deer's north-end with signs removed on May 23. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Scott Sumyk

Red Deer RCMP arrest and charge man for arson in Canadian Tire north-end fire

May 23, 2023 | 2:15 PM

Red Deer RCMP confirmed they have arrested a male for arson in relation to a structure fire that caused significant damage to the Canadian Tire north store.

On May 15, Red Deer RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) arrested 43-year-old Scott Sumyk, a resident of Red Deer, and charged him with arson and theft under $5,000.

On the evening of April 5, 2023, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) responded to a fire at the store (6380 50 Ave) in the seasonal section. Over four hours, Curtis Schaefer, Assistant Deputy Chief for the City’s RDES, said 19 firefighters fought the blaze that filled the entire building with smoke.

READ: RDES investigating evening fire at north-end Canadian Tire

On April 12, RCMP released photos from video surveillance in search of an individual who they say may have had information regarding the fire.

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Sumyk was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded for his next court appearance set for May 30, 2023, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

The Red Deer RCMP extended their appreciation to the public for their assistance and co-operation during the investigation.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.