The RCMP says one person has been arrested and two others have been “identified as persons of interest” after a fire was set at a South Surrey restaurant.
Mounties say the suspicious fire at the Roadhouse Grille was just one of a few “criminal acts” in the business district along King George Boulevard. The incidents reportedly took place between Sunday night and Monday morning.
The RCMP responded to the fire around 6 a.m. Mounties say firefighters were able to put the flames out with minimal damage to the building and no injuries reported. However, in a social media post, the owners of the family restaurant say they were forced to throw out all their food, and will need to buy new coolers as a result of the fire.
“It breaks our hearts to see the extent of the damage caused by this senseless act,” the Facebook post reads. “We’re working hard to get back on our feet, but it’ll take longer than expected. Thank you for standing by us during this tough time. Your support means everything to us.”
The Surrey RCMP says a 27-year-old woman was arrested near the restaurant, with possible charges pending. She has since been released on an undertaking to appear in court. Two men, meanwhile, are being described as “persons of interest” in the investigation.
According to investigators, while officers were responding to the restaurant fire, other business owners nearby reported three other incidents, including two attempted break-ins, and an “act of mischief which included a small fire near a garbage can in the area.”
In one case, a business’ window was smashed, while another shop’s locks were tampered with.
“Thankfully entry was not gained into either of these businesses,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb.
The RCMP is asking anyone who may have seen anything or who may have video of the area during the time of the incidents to contact investigators at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2024-63604.