(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

May 2024

Preliminary hearing scheduled for local man charged in Canadian Tire store arson fire

Oct 31, 2023 | 3:41 PM

A preliminary hearing is scheduled next year for a local man charged in an arson fire at the Canadian Tire north location in Red Deer.

Scott William Sumyk, 44, of Red Deer, is scheduled to see if his case has enough evidence to go to trial from May 1-2, 2024, in Red Deer Court of Justice.

It was the evening of April 5, 2023, when Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) responded to a fire at the north-end Canadian Tire 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, 2023, RCMP released photos from video surveillance in search of an individual who they say may have had information regarding the fire.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

12h ago

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READ: Red Deer RCMP searching for individual regarding fire at Canadian Tire

Then on May 15, 2023, Red Deer RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) arrested Sumyk and charged him with arson and theft under $5,000.

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

Related: Canadian Tire in Red Deer’s north-end reopens; staff help to rebuild