Man charged after Dollarama arson in May

A 33-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged in connection with an arson-related fire that caused significant damage to a downtown business last month.

The Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit continued its investigation into a fire set at a commercial property in the 200 block of Portage Avenue on the evening of May 5.

Investigators determined that a man entered the store during business hours at approximately 6:55 p.m., ignited merchandise inside the business, and then fled the scene. The fire spread quickly, causing substantial damage to both the property and merchandise.

On-site security personnel extinguished the fire before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.

Police later identified a suspect, obtained a warrant, and arrested the man last Thursday at the Winnipeg Remand Centre, where he was being held on an unrelated matter.

The suspect has been charged with arson causing damage to property and two counts of failing to comply with probation. He remains in custody.