STONEY NAKODA – Cochrane RCMP have arrested and charged a suspect in connection to three structure fires that were set on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation Sunday (May 31).
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said all three fires happened over a short period of time and within the same area of the Morley townsite. He said multiple calls to report the fires were received.
Two sheds and one abandoned home were fully engulfed when emergency services arrived, which included Exhaw Fire Rescue and the Stoney Nakoda Fire Department.
"Police flooded the area," he said. "We had a description of the of what the suspect might look like. We located the suspect and arrested him."
Branden Powderface, 21, is charged with three counts of arson and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order. Powderface was remanded into custody and will appear in Cochrane Provincial Court on June 2.
Savinkoff said there were no injuries as a result of the fires.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.tipsubmit.com or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPPS).