Posted:
Investigators with the General Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division are asking for the public’s help on two separate arsons that occurred earlier this year at St. Andrews United Church located at 6036 Coburg Road.
On May 12 at 2:13 a.m., police and Halifax Fire and Emergency responded to a report of a fire at the church. Once the blaze was extinguished, investigators determined that someone had entered the church through the Edward Street entrance and set a number of fires outside the administrative offices on the main floor. Damage was limited to that area of the church. To date no witnesses have come forward.
On July 6 at 11:05 p.m., police and Halifax Fire and Emergency responded to a report of another fire at the church. Once the blaze was extinguished, investigators determined that someone had once again lit a number of fires inside the church, on both the basement floor and the main floor of the church. The administrative offices that were relocated to the basement after the first fire were also targeted, as was the childcare office and the main sanctuary on the main floor. A witness observed a woman leaving the church moments before the blaze. Combined, the arsons caused over $700,000 in damages.
Anyone with information about these arsons is asked to contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip - Tip 202 + your message to 274637.