Key Takeaways
- A 35-year-old Dunedin man has been charged with arson in connection with a suspicious fire in Waikaia, Southland, in February last year
- The fire damaged a house and two vehicles on Elswick St, with only a Land Rover in a lean-to beside the garage being saved
- Police released an image of a red BMW convertible similar to one seen speeding from the scene, which was also observed travelling towards the Riversdale area at speed
- The accused is due to appear in the Gore District Court on December 17
- Police have thanked members of the public for providing information that helped with the investigation
Introduction to the Incident
The small town of Waikaia in Southland was shaken by a suspicious fire that broke out overnight on February 21 last year, damaging a house and two vehicles on Elswick St. The fire was reported by a local resident, Krystal Turnbull, who discovered the blaze while driving home around midnight. She noticed a car with its headlights on full approaching her, and shortly after, she saw the fire engulfing the house and garage. The Waikaia fire brigade managed to save a Land Rover in a lean-to beside the garage, but the house and garage were extensively damaged, with the vehicles inside being lost.
Investigation and Progress
The investigation into the fire was led by Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney of Gore CIB, who announced in May this year that police were making progress and hoped to make an arrest. As part of the investigation, police released an image of a red BMW convertible similar to one seen speeding from the scene. The vehicle was also observed travelling towards the Riversdale area at speed on the same night. The release of the image and the description of the vehicle were crucial in gathering more information from the public, which ultimately helped the police in their investigation.
Arrest and Charges
After a thorough investigation, a 35-year-old Dunedin man has been charged with arson in connection with the fire. The accused is due to appear in the Gore District Court on December 17. Detective Sergeant McKinney expressed his gratitude to the members of the public who provided information to police throughout the investigation, stating that their contributions were essential in ensuring that the person responsible for the fire can be held accountable. The charge of arson is a serious one, and the accused will face the consequences of his actions in court.
Impact on the Community
The fire in Waikaia was not only a devastating event for the owners of the damaged property but also a shock to the small community. Krystal Turnbull, who reported the fire, expressed her sadness and concern about the incident, stating that it was "doubly sad" that the fire was deemed suspicious. She added that it was disturbing to think that someone would intentionally set fire to someone’s house. The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for people to look out for each other, especially in small towns where everyone knows each other.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The arrest and charging of the suspect in connection with the Waikaia fire bring a sense of closure to the community, but the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for people to be mindful of their actions. The investigation into the fire was a lengthy one, but the police’s perseverance and the public’s cooperation ultimately led to the identification of the suspect. As the case progresses to court, the community will be watching closely to see justice served. In the meantime, the owners of the damaged property will have to rebuild and recover from the loss, with the support of their community and the knowledge that those responsible will be held accountable.
