Police charge male with arson in connection with downtown fire

Lethbridge Police have charged a 51-year-old male with arson in connection with a fire that caused significant damage to two downtown businesses. 

On March 8 at approximately 4 a.m., an officer on patrol noted a heavy smell of smoke and located a fire at the back of the Wooden Shoe/Andrew Hilton along the 200 block of 3 Avenue South. The fire department was contacted and as a precaution, police evacuated the youth shelter due to the windy conditions and the potential for the fire to spread. Firefighters subsequently extinguished the flames and no one was injured.

Following further investigation by Patrols, the Property Crimes Unit and Downtown Policing Unit, including interviews with three subjects located at the scene and extensive review of CCTV, police determined the fire started within an encampment that had been located at the rear of the businesses. 

Initial damages are estimated at $700,000.

Harvey John Sweetgrass, 51, of Lethbridge, is charged with two counts of arson to property. Sweetgrass is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing.