Calgary police need your help to identify suspects as they investigate multiple arson attempts at a southeast Calgary school that happened outside of regular school hours and on weekends.
Police say on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, around 5:45 p.m. four male youths were seen trying to light arrows on fire and shoot them against the south exterior of St. Isabella Elementary Junior High School located at 855 Copperfield Blvd. Southeast.
Investigators say three similar incidents were reported at the same school.
On Monday, February 12, 2018, around 3:30 p.m. police were called for reports of evidence located on school property to suggest there had been another arson attempt at an unknown time.
Police say their next visit to the school was on Thursday, February 15, 2018, about 6:30 p.m. after a witness saw four male youths attempting to start a fire and called them.
Investigators say on Friday, February 23, 2018 around 9:55 p.m., a witness saw two male youths flee from the scene after hearing glass break.
The witness doused a small fire at the back of the school and called police.
Police believe these incidents are connected to the first and in the last three the unknown youths mixed and used Molotov cocktails to start the fires.
There was a fifth incident at a different school, McKenzie Lake School, on 16210 McKenzie Lake Way S.E., on Saturday, February 18, 2018, around 9:55 p.m.
Witnesses reported seeing four youth flee the area in a four-door sedan and police are investigating whether or not this incident is connected.
Investigators are working with school officials to identify potential suspects and ensure the safety of the students and staff at both schools.
Detectives have collected an extensive amount of CCTV from the area, however, have not been able to identify any suspects so they are asking anyone with CCTV footage in the area of either school, who has not already provided their video to police, to contact them.
“This is a concerning situation that is putting people at risk,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Scott McCann of the Calgary Police Service General Investigations Unit. “Many different groups host extracurricular activities on school property outside of regular school hours. We’re asking anyone who has information about who is responsible to come forward. We encourage parents who live in the area to have conversations with their kids about these incidents. It is very likely that somebody knows something.”
Police say descriptions only indicate the offenders are male youths and were wearing dark hoodies at the time of the offences.
If you have anyone information about the arsons you’re asked to call police at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers through either of the following methods 1-800-222-8477 or calgarycrimestoppers.org
