Police charge female with arson in connection with downtown fires

Lethbridge Police have charged a 45-year-old female with arson in connection with two fires at a downtown property.

On March 5 at approximately 6:30 a.m., police responded to a report of a female trespassing at the Melcor Centre along the 200 block of 4 Avenue South. Security staff reported the female, who was known to them, had previously been issued a trespassing notice. She was also found to be bound by conditions prohibiting her from attending the property. Police attended and located the subject inside a garbage compactor near the building’s loading dock. After exiting, she was subsequently arrested. A short time later flames and smoke were observed coming from the garbage compactor. 

The fire quickly grew and members of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services attended to extinguish it. While firefighters were on scene, police observed evidence that an additional fire had been set behind a compost bin approximately five meters away from the compactor. The brick wall next to the bin was stained with black residue and firefighters ensured the fire was completely extinguished. The fires were in close proximity to the building and a parkade where staff members were present. 

During a search incidental to the subject's arrest, police seized two lighters.

Audrey Rae Small Legs, 45, of Lethbridge, is charged with two counts of arson disregard for human life and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order. 

Small Legs was remanded in custody and was scheduled to appear in court today.